By Jane Nickodem (1995)

Presents wrapped  in riches and station,
Beribboned in notice and adulation
Hold no appeal for me.

Facades, all false and fancy-fine,
Veneers, thick with gloss and shine,
Do not all beholders deceive.

Friendship, plain and unadorned,
Candor welcomed, never scorned,
Dearly exceed all other reward.