31: Honesty

Honesty defines a person,
yet what does it really mean?
Such an easy thing to utter,
to say hotly, “I am honest!”
But to live it is truly challenging.
The truth is powerful,
it often causes anguish,
to the bearer and receiver.
Use it carefully and with thought.
Beware the majority around you,
who do not have the strength required.

To avoid something, because it is difficult,
does none of us a favour.
As we skirt around the issues,
hoping another will make it easier;
we wait and hope for intervention,
that will release us from the pain,
of taking responsibility, for the truth.
But this is not honesty,
just procrastination based on fear!
Honesty may not make you popular.
It can be the hardest thing you’ve ever done.
You may be cast out and condemned.
Such integrity requires courage,

but do not expect reward.

Many people claim honesty
and stand high upon their soapbox,
declaring righteousness,
about trivial matters.
But give them human relationships,
matters of the heart,
they would rather run and hide,
than speak with honesty,
of their feelings or lack thereof.
They deceive openly,
or go silent in reply.
The most difficult type of honesty it seems,
is the one that says goodbye,
cleanly and without lies.

Lady Satellite

The style of this poem is deliberately jagged. It tackles an awkward subject which I did not want to dress up in balanced rhymes and humour. The style is honest like the subject.