Rough words,
Harsh tone,
Even a dash of poignant sarcasm.

A strange brew,
Rarely sweet,
Mostly strong,
Always a bit sour.

Still
Even the sharpest blows
Are always laced
With kindness.

For who else can you trust more
Than your best friends
To know their playful insults
Are just a slightly crooked
But always heartfelt way
To say
“I care”?