Veratrum

Some pleasing words
 Or a warm embrace…
A shred of smile
 On that shallow face…
And you think of them 
 As friends; take heed:
Measure people not by 
 Words, but deeds.

For every battle you lose
 Most will turn.
They will tend to your wounds
 With false concern.
Every war you win
 Fewer will celebrate.
At the sight of your blood,
 They’ll salivate.

They’ll raise you a toast
 Envenom one cup
Of wine, they’ll serve
 At your victory sup;
Whether it be a friend
 Or a foe,
Any guesses to where the 
 Poison will go?


Pic credit: image