Bitter truths: A poem 

I am looking for little cheering truths 

A fair price on my humble needs and goods 

Honesty in a loved one’s fleeting rapturous kiss 

A yard of dignity and self-worth to enhance my bliss 

The lilt of a morning bird’s sweet melodious tune 

Fortune’s tiny castle standing on my dune 

Not the desperate hunger of a predator’s cruel stalk 

Nor the bitter degrading hurt of loose and careless talk 

Walking with hope on the motley beach of life 

It’s for the shelly floor that I earnestly dare to strive 

Not the dark tempests of the oceans swelling high 

Nor the tormenting whirlwinds of a thunderous stormy sky 

In simple lucid dreams to embrace my night’s rest 

The deep leisure-filled comforts of a warm and cosy nest 

Not the beguiling hope of a demeaning false promise 

Nor the empty tomorrow of a leader’s deceitful twist 

Is hope only an oft-repeated lie? 

That all our conquests leave some to callously die 

Listening to the news I grovel and I sigh 

And ask myself what is it and why?