Slimy compliments you dispense
And dig for additional opportunities 
In unimportant conversation
With over-used friends
 
Baiting with niceties
And self-deprecation
Fishing for self-worth
In people’s pity
So you can feast on the flattery
 
Will you reel in a big catch
Or has the pond gone dry? 
 
Wouldn’t it be better 
To just jump right in
And swim with the school?
 
Snag a friend by association
Down in the pool?
 
Instead of 
Luring them out
 
                           H
                             o
                        g     o
                         n  i  k
 
Them by the jaw
And eating them for dinner?