They Call Me Naive

They call me naive.

Because I work hard,

Even when the pay is small,

But I think that's integrity.

They call me naive,

Because I stand by my word

Even when others let me down.

But I think that's virtue.

They call me naive,

Because I can watch no one suffer,

Even if they've turned a blind eye to mine.

I call that compassion.

They call me naive,

Because I hold my tongue,

While others mistreat me.

I call that decency.

I am not naive,

For I see the truth and reality

And then choose the higher road.

I call that Character.

I work hard
When I say I will
But if I'm treated unfair
I'll only do it once.

I stand by my word
Because of my virtue
But when mistreated or used
I know how to walk away.

I won't watch another suffer
It breaks my tender heart.
But abuse my kindness
And I just won't watch.

I hold my tongue
Because I was raised with decency
But I worry not,
For a forked tongue most often stabs itself.

I am not naive,
Nor am I a fool.
And those who assume either
May be both.