The Lies We Told

[J Hillenburg]

The lies we told each other now make
total sense in our scheme of self.
We scoffed at truth, unwilling to take
on the burdens of clarity and health.
Our characters were dodgy and suspect,
we had little to offer but curses and bile.
It mystifies me that we came to expect
we would ever cross that extra mile.

We made a saintliness out of falsehood,
we celebrated the foolish and mundane.
I confused obedience for a brotherhood
that punished one another the same.
We ran ourselves ragged in a contest
that constantly put our desires at odds.
Unwilling to give, unwilling to attest
with a obstinance like that of the gods.

The lies we told were seldom in malice,
instead they were a shield for the heart.
But we told so many it seems so callous
that I failed to do more on your part.
I hope you meet someone who chooses
to look past your deceit and your fear.
But I will no longer entertain excuses
so well practiced, and so very sincere.