Well Wishes

By Andrew R. Duckworth

Wickedness knows no better friend
Than a well wisher wishing well ends
While offering nothing but mere words
And the minimal comfort that words lend.

We are all guilty of wishing well
When others seem to go through hell
And we are so blessed beyond absurd
Yet only offer up a word.

Well wishes are all fine and good,
But only when it’s understood
That well wishes are all we have to give
And that we’ve done the best we could.

But if we only support with voice
When there exists another choice
Our well wishes are shallow and as dim
As the last dried petals off a brittle stem.