I DO BELIEVE THAT WE ALL HAVE SECRETS. HOWEVER, THERE SHOULD BE AT LEAST...ONE...WHICH WE HONESTLY HAVEN'T SHARED WITH ANYONE. ENJOYED. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

So many ways that secrets are used in your stanzas. Some good, some bad. But I agree that the fewer conspiracies, secret organizations, and life altering concerns that we are rather than reviewing, the better.

For example, the narrative of the United States history as taught in schools, needs to change from the heroic and loftier than thou, starting with legendary George Washington's telling lies and throwing coins across the Potomac, to a more realistic account.

History secreted away and hidden. Recently reawakened through documentary research studies. Those in. power fear the truth, now that they are awakened (WOKE) to it.

Ron

Your poem reminds me of the unspoken experiences we harbor. Yet, there are so many, if we stop and think about it, that are really secrets that call for rejoicing, or putting smiales on our faces. You know, those secrets of good and creative experiences we've had that modesty keeps us from sharing... thus the secrets that keep us smiling like having a buried card that none of the other players see. I particularly enjoyed --
"A secret that you are waiting to tell,
Ever joyous with the secret of it.
A secret that sounds as a tolling bell,
Ever thrilled with the secret of it." I often review my secrets. You gave me some new directions to keep watch on. Fun and informative read.

Some philosophers argue that living without secrets is a higher form of wisdom. I have a tendency to agree. Unfortunately too many identities are formed by what they conceal and end up being untrustworthy. Still... keeping secrets is not inherently good or bad. It all depends on the context. I suppose if our secrets become a prison that keeps us from living authentically and truthfully with others, then we might want to rethink our positions.
For me.... people that lie, and keep secrets are always easy to spot, especially in conversation. You can see it in the micro-expressions in their faces. Philosophically, I'm thinking that secrets are not just information that humans hide from one another, they act as mirrors to the human condition, mirrors that reveal our fears and desires, and certainly the fragile balance between privacy and transparency. A thought-provoking piece John, that opens up many avenues of thought. Enjoyed. Peace. r

Gosh, a most thoughtful grasp of secret masks, guilt, protection, trust, betrayal, inheritance, and even joy.

repetition of secret of it” gives the poem a steady, spell like rhythm, yet each stanza reveals another consequence of keeping something secret, indeed what we do with our secrets can reveal as much about us as the secrets themselves.