Unfiltered
Jan 17 2023
They lied to us when we were children.
Not just Santa Claus
or the farm upstate
where the old dog retired,
but that everything
would turn out great.
Things happen for a reason.
Work hard
and you'll get what you deserve.
And when we grow up
lie to ourselves.
This job means something.
She really does love me.
There is evil in the world
not because there is no God
but because He gave us free will.
Hard truth, radical honesty.
Or soft truths
and fictions we find comforting.
The one compensation
of old age
and impending death
is that there is no time left
for self-deception.
The inhibitions and social graces
that usually constrain us
have gone away;
as if seniority gave licence
to misbehave.
And there he goes again,
another shocking statement
assaulting the ear,
unfiltered observation
and frank revelation
no one cared to hear.
Early dementia
we say under our breath
indulgently shaking our heads,
don't mind him.
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