There is no free lunch

I think an important lesson as an adult I have learnt

After many instances of being burnt

Is that everything that appears to be free

Has a cost associated with it invariably

Taking something for granted assuming it to be free

A grave error of judgment can turn out to be

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Having realized that, I will also say

That trying to find hidden costs has made me cynical in a way

Every innocuous appearing freebie with suspicion I view

Is it my time, attention, my opinion or something else that is providing value?

This transactional thinking often weighs heavily on my mind

I wish hidden costs I did not need to find..

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With a free offering, I shall not be enticed

If I really want something, I’d rather pay the right price