Help Or Hurt

Help Or Hurt?

Anyone of us who has lived very long at all
Can recognize the opposites of these two words. You may even now recall
How divergent are these two words and their opposites meanings!
How many have hidden behind one of these words while they take you to the 'cleaners?'

In all clarity - it's always the motive behind the words that
Is stashed somewhere in your head, beneath your hat.
Those you know who want to do you in - it's secret.
They never reveal to the victim what travesty they plan to frequent

On your life! Because if you are forewarned - you will be armed.
This is the hurt that is perpetrated and they do aim to harm.
You have always heard - Friends help - enemies hurt -
Well, that's a fact - just one warning to insert:

You simply must prove in some benign way who is which
In your life. What you see and hear are not always who they seem.
Enemies can get to you much better if they can just pretend
To be your trusted confidant or your trusted friend.