Is Language Innocent (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

Is Language Innocent
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Saturday, July 4, 2026 Rated "G" by the Author.

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Is Language Innocent? by John Herlihy Every door has a crack, To let in potential light. Every light has a shadow, A ghost moon in the night. My honest take Must have a dishonest take. My sincere apology Must have an insincere apology. Let me speak plainly Suggests you could speak less plainly. If only you knew Raises the specter of what you don’t know. I call it as it is What about as it is not. I must confess A whole lot you don’t confess. Under no circumstances Leaves room for certain circumstances. I never assume Until I do assume. In any case Belies that one certain case. If truth to tell Ya, what about lies that tell. Tell me a lie And I will infer the truth. Tell me the truth And I will defer the lie. We think language oh so innocent When in fact, language oh so guilty Every statement has an equivalent The cloth of language feels oh so silky - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Thursday 12 March 2026

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on July 11, 2026

THE WORD ASKS GOD TO...'GUARD OUR TONGUES'. THERE IS NO FUNCTION THAT WE ARE ABLE TO PERFORM WHICH GOD CANNOT CONTROL...IF...WE WANT HIM TO. IT IS NOT NECESSARILY WHAT WE SAY, BUT HOW WE SAY IT(IN MANY INSTANCES, THERE IS ALWAYS A BETTER WAY TO EXPRESS OURSELVES WHICH DOES NOT OFFEND) INDEED. THANKS FOR THIS REMINDER, JOHN. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on July 5, 2026

Once again writing about opposites. How our language can be used both positively and negatively. It all depends on our attitudes.

Can we make the world great again by coming up with acronyms of what we despise?

I like Odin's remark.

Ron

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

Reviewed on July 4, 2026

Tell me a lie

And I will infer the truth.

Tell me the truth

And I will defer the lie.

So truthful in today's conundrum of language. There is as deep a message in the subtext as the text. I appreciate such magnification of thought. Thank you for posting.