Oft maligned
Great virtues found
In the small
Not opening a wallet
Nor showy endeavor
But quiet, steadying
Loyalty
Found like a blue nest
In a grey forest
Constancy
Is a clear bell
Ringing when others have only
Tooted their own horn
She waits
After the herd have had their say
And empty promises lift their helium mouths
To the great void
She stays
When it would be easier to flee
Safer to avoid
Quicker to cut off
And I was your constant
That is why you loved me so much
Though you didn’t recognize the steps
We both took
When it came time
For my turn
You bared your teeth
And took a portion of me
Breaking trust like
Water can never be held
In cupped hands
You slipped
Grateful for escape