Something for Nothing?

There's no such thing as a free lunch ...
You're wined and dined then comes the crunch:
A favour, info or advice
Is sure to raise its head – think twice!

'Tit for tat' stays evergreen
Being altruistic is a dream
Being 'on the make' is smart
Exit 'goodness of the heart'.

You help a friend then she helps you
To keep your friendship balance true
As the 'art of giving' isn't taught
Few act without a backward thought.

Are we hard-nosed cynics? It's a way
To get ahead and so we Play
The Game and offer something 'free';
Does no one else think just like me?

(c) Poet in the woods 2017