Indebtedness

Indebted. Obligated.
Owing. Compelled, bound,
required, forced. Beholden.
An action done, a bond made,
often from the will to help,
the willingness to extend a hand,
but from a position of power,
of ownership, of control,
of sovereignty.

Gratitude. Grateful.
Appreciative. Thankful.
A benevolence. Kindness,
good-heartedness, generosity.
Compassion, grace, love.

I've learned I cannot loan money
to anyone, for that creates entitlement,
obligation. Instead, they may ask
that I lend, but when I deliver the funds
I've learned they are a gift. If they are returned
I have them to give away again, but if not,
the acrid heart is not created,
does not poison my soul and build resentment.
If I share my bounty with my friends
I keep the friend and that matters more.