A truth that’s sad or bad is never good
when shared with malice just to smear a name.
While hidden felonies and mislaid trust
when brought to light may end a living lie,
what good is won from speaking out of turn
of things the telling doesn’t change, or which
have long been settled matters, well and done?
A gossip might relate a shameful truth
of someone else’s past or present life
for no good reason or a purpose, just
to bring that person’s reputation down,
or – thoughtless, heedless of the consequence –
just for the telling of a juicy tale
to gain attention of an audience.
Consider shameful things which you have done
(or might someday when weak or all alone)
for which there’s no defense and no excuse:
who needs to know for you to know they’re wrong?
If hurt to you or those you love is all that’s gained,
and nothing’s helped by learning what you did,
why should the evil truth be told at all?
A contest entry
- The Truth, The Whole Truth, Nothing but the Truth by Randomly Beautiful.
1750 points, ended November 24, 14 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
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So true. Thank you for taking time to enter the contest.
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Ah, very well penned, constructed so precisely, and itself, telling the whole truth! I love the lines about the gossip who tells a truth just to gain an audience -- perfect description of papparazzi as well! I've often thought that too much truth just makes everyone unhappy, and a little deception is not necessarily bad... You've written a fine argument here!
Lita
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Wise
but certainly not always headed. "Do for today with utter disregard for tomorrow" seems to be where too many reside.
Excellent write.
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wonderful
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