THE LIES HAVE IT
Invent a story about a bridge
at night, another on the river below.
Tell a lie about what it’s like
to climb atop a railing
and look down.
Say the dive is easily doable,
that a muffled splash
is all that will come out of it,
and then an instant return
to the surface.
Speak on how
that river is no void,
merely water deep enough
for you to test your aquatic skills,
and this will be a plunge
not suicide.
Fabricate the reasons
for doing this,
like you’re happy at home,
you’ve never been bullied,
and your grades inspire
choirs of angels.
Then back away.
Manufacture a reason –
you’ve nothing to prove.
Then head home
where the truth will be waiting.
___________________________________________________________
The Lies Have it
by John Grey
Bio-John Grey is an Australian poet, US resident, recently published in Stand, Washington Square Review and Rathalla Review. Latest books, “Covert” “Memory Outside The Head” and “Guest Of Myself” are available through Amazon. Work upcoming in the McNeese Review, Santa Fe Literary Review and Open Ceilings.
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