I Learned From A Wise Elder

I learned from a wise elder as a boy years ago
That few go through life without making a foe
The truth in her wisdom is with me today
The words of the wise our lifetime with us stay
Few without an enemy why otherwise pretend
Not everyone you know or know of is your friend
And not everyone of you has kind things to say
This is how people are and life is this way
As so few people are without flaw or taint
The one without a foe must be a living saint
Those who tell you they like everyone may be playing the word game of deceit
Since most people for success with each other compete
And the words of a wise one that time had left gray
From the far long ago remain with me today.