Lies

Grownups sometimes lie.

They explain their lies softly

as protection

and love

and as the best way

to give you the gift of innocence

and wonder

for as long as possible

before the world crowds in

but lies are still lies.

Lies to help you sleep at night

when shadows are goblins

and the wind is a ghost. 

Lies to help you fight fears

when bathtub drains want to pull you down 

and closet spiders are hungry.

Grownups sometimes lie

Lies to stop your worries

about neighbors firing guns into

safe spaces, everyday places.

Lies to smother your worries

about a world where

leaders  don’t always lead

and presidents are not always

presidential.

Grownups sometimes lie.

Lies to soften the 

silent forever of death.

Lies to prop up their own

desperate belief, wounded hope

that all people really are born equal

that we all deserve

life

liberty

and the pursuit of happiness.

that love is the great underestimated power

that can conquer all.

And then…

grownups tell you

to always

always

tell

the truth.

So

if you’re confused

and doubting

that’s okay.

Confusion and doubt

make you ask questions

and seek answers

and find your  voice

and hone your power

so that when you

become a grownup

you can demand

the truth.

You must

demand

the 

truth. 

6/10/17

CHM