“Sometimes It’s Best to Lie”: Poetry for the Young Realist
Dear World,
Please please please don’t take this little poem too seriously…I really really really don’t intend to start a conversation on how it’s never best to lie, how you would tell the truth even if it hurt someone in the short term, the exact nature of a lie, etc. It’s just some late night musings on the times when you realize that, “yes, the whole polite world expects me NOT to say exactly what I’m thinking at this moment.”
Of course, if you are now wondering if you are the extended family, neighbor, or friend who was lied to, the answer is most certainly, “of course not.”
Sincerely,
Bekah
Sometimes It’s Best to Lie
I.
You’ve always learned to tell the truth,
And surly you must try.
But sometimes to be kind or couth
You have to tell a lie.
Don’t ever lie to save your skin.
Don’t lie to hurt another.
A lie is not the way to win,
It’s a way to love your brother.
II.
When your sibling’s choice couture
Be it dress or tie
Makes them look like furniture
Sometimes it’s best to lie,
III.
When dear granny’s getting old
And she forgets your size
Her gifts may smell of cats and mold.
You’ll have to tell some lies.
IV.
When your host has burnt the beef
Or undercooked the pie
There’s no need to cause him grief.
Just tell a gracious lie.
V.
When your buddy’s lost a game
You know how hard he tried
The brutal truth would cause him shame
You’ll be glad you lied.
VI.
When great-auntie buys you junk
That makes you wonder, “Why???”
Don’t act like an ungrateful punk
Just suck it up and lie.
VII.
When sharing cold hard facts of life
It’s easy to be jaded.
But when your thoughts could stir up strife
They may be better shaded.
Though few would outright tell you this,
They would say be polite
But manners, tact, and thoughtfulness
Are knowing when to lie.