-- LIES AND TRUTH –
John Herlihy
Ugly all the lies,
That ravage the truth.
Beautiful the truth,
That ravages all the lies.
Vicious the lies,
That make us savage.
Virtuous the truth,
That all lies ravage.
Ashamed of the lies,
Yet who can help themselves.
Ashamed of the truth,
Yet still able to help themselves.
Afraid of the lies,
When all the secrets betrayed.
Afraid of the truth,
Revelatory when we prayed.
Trustful of the lies,
And all the falsehood they serve.
Trustful of the truth,
For all of life’s truths to preserve.
Hopeful of the lies,
Wishing them to be successful.
Hopeful of the truth,
Knowing them to be successful.
Emboldened by the lies,
In getting what we want.
Emboldened by the truth,
In the blessing of its font.
Blinded by the lies,
Into thinking they be true .
Blinded by the truth,
The white light of what we knew.
Saddened by the lies,
When their falsity turns apparent.
Gladdened by the truth,
With its certainty transparent.
Living with lies,
Where nothing is true .
Living with truth,
Where everything is true .
- - - - -
Copyright ©John Herlihy
Sunday 21 August 2022
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Politicians seem to think they have the right to give us versions of their
‘Truths’ that are obviously less than truthful…lies do not seem to have
the same gravity as in the past… many children now are not held to account
for telling lies…it seems to be almost acceptable and sometimes laughable…
If the truth is unpalatable it is often disguised and wrapped in words that are not so
shocking…
It is a confusing world in many ways, and sadly truth has become a downgraded virtue …
Your poem alerts us and stimulates thought on this important and ever changing concept…
Diana…🍃
PS
Some observations: it seems to be okay to just tell little white lies like telling someone their poem is wonderful even when it isn't. Largely because you don't want to hurt someone's feelings. There are numerous ways that can backfire. Over time the lies become bigger ones.
It is very interesting how the Roman Catholic Church invented the confessional booth so that Catholics could routinely go there and tell the priest their innermost secrets and confessions because priests would keep the secrets. It turned out that priests were able to keep their dirty little secret or 2000 years until it was finally found out when people finally believed the truth.
Ron
Writing in today's world is often impacted by the malaise of darkness seemingly getting more overwhelming than many have the courage to confront. Keep writing, John, as there are few who spend time thinking and offering comments as some of us are compelled to do.