Reciprocity is a blade-handled knife.

Unexpected, undenied.

We each grab at pain and thrust at our equal,

Knowing we too deserve what we give.

When I rise, dreams wasted hence,

I hope to earn what I have spent.

You take it all and weep with the angels.

Bleeding, I wonder which one of us fell.

And when I land beyond the veil,

I can but lie a more noble tale.