as a child

I did not understand

the game show

friend or foe

two compete as one

a team

trivia or logic puzzles or the like

at the end, each chooses privately

friend or foe

two foe choices, all earnings are lost

one foe choice, aggressor takes all

two friend choices, an equal split

surely all can see

the only winning move is friend

it is the only way to ensure

someone wins at all

even if one mind keyed more locks

trust that the other hoped for other doors

luck may spotlight one mind

but kindness spotlights much more

whereas guilt-ridden theft

is indubitable ruin

again and again the show baffled me

as humans often do