Sincerity of the Lie (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

Sincerity of the Lie
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Saturday, September 6, 2025 Rated "G" by the Author.

Save

Follow Share on Facebook



The Sincerity of the Lie by John Herlihy An element of sincerity lies within the lie, Exposing its untruth with a focused intent. Ready all of the social conventions to defy, Making clear the lie posing as truth meant. With a wink and a smile, the liar simply lies, Without promise or care, his version to tell. Like the town crier, from root tops he cries, Hoping his version of truth will finally propel. Lies can be construe d as a flight from reality, Alternative reality in a world of make-believe. Crude attempts to alter truth without mystery, With the sole motivation to mislead, deceive. The lie way of life along life’s mysterious way A liar cannot help it, simply follows this urge Convinced of the truth in what he has to say As if seeking an inner demon he has to purge A liar seems sincere with a lie on his face, The words spill forth as the heart’s desire. Sincerity is covering the lie with fine lace, Pretending truths our sensibility to defy. How can a listener even begin to know, The lie that sits hidden behind the mask. Threads of deception all liars gladly sew, A sincerity in the deception its first task. The truth behind the lie remains hidden, The truth is betrayed, the lie bears fruit. Lies offer up more lies, arriving unbidden, The voice of the truth muffled and mute. Whatever the tale, no words to mince, Grand hypocrisy accomplishing its task. A lie calls forth false truth to convince, Running risk someone will lift the mask. Moral: virtue not always found in sincerity, When sincerity coats one’s lies with verity. - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Saturday 30 August 2025

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on October 30, 2025

SINCERITY!?! MY GOD...THE ONLY SINCERITY FOUND IN A PATHOLOGICAL LIAR IS THEIR QUEST TO DESTROY AND THEY ARE HARD TO DEAL WITH. ONE CAN'T BELIEVE... ANYTHING...THEY SAY. AND HONESTLY WHAT HURTS MOST IS THAT THEY HAVE NO REMORSE FOR THE DAMAGE THEY CAUSE. THEY ACTUALLY BELIEVE THEIR UNTRUTHS AND THESE KIND OF PEOPLE ARE USED BY THE UNSCRUPULOUS TO BACK-UP THEIR DIRTY DEEDS, BECAUSE THE PATHOLOGICAL LIAR...HAS NO CONSCIENCE, AT ALL. IT'S A SHAME TO SAY, BUT EVEN THEIR OWN CLOSE FAMILY...WANTS NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM. INITIALLY, ONE THINKS THAT THEIR FAMILY IS TERRIBLE TO TURN THEIR BACK ON THEM BUT...IT CAN TAKE A WHILE BEFORE THIS TERRIBLE BEHAVIOR IS REALIZED AND GOD BE WITH THE ONE WHO TRIES TO HELP THEM...AS ONE LIE PILES UP ON TOP OF ANOTHER LIE...AND IT GOES ON AND ON AND ON. I AM SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE HERE. THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on September 6, 2025

I saw Pinocchio in the theater when I was very young. Of course, it scared me into telling the truth. At a young age, I learned that telling the truth often meant that things were mended very quickly and I was forgiven for making a mistake.

But I lie all the time; sometimes to fool momentarily, to get a reaction and then, provide the truth. Other times, I lie to make things less severe for people who are more sensitive than I am to things that really are of no consequence but they sometimes think are going to happen to them.

You didn't note that it was political, but I find your subtle poem clearly aimed at the Liar in Chief that over half of our country seems to believe his bullshit, gaining him money hand over fist and wrecking our stable government and economy.

Unfortunately, his true believers will attack your poem with thoughts of, "you're wrong" or "none of your business."

Ron

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

Yes... writing about our contemporary plight is so needed and far beyond mere journalism. At least poetry suggests we engage both our heads and hearts in addressing the subject written about. Your lines below are so very true. Many thanks for posting this. Hopefully those who need it most, will read.

A liar cannot help it, simply follows this urge

Convinced of the truth in what he has to say

As if seeking an inner demon he has to purge

Moral: virtue not always found in sincerity,

When sincerity coats one�s lies with verity.