Life is not a game

A poem addressed to an old "friend"

When will you realize
People aren't your toys?
Life isn't a game with prizes
For clever girls and boys.

With every word you whisper
You have the power to wound or heal.
You praise the ones who use
And mock the ones who kneel.

I remember those sultry days
Of a summer long passed
Remember the way you lied
Remember how I stood fast.

Now you try to interfere
With my life again.
Others who trusted are now hurt
Vinny, life is not a game...