I Cannot Tell A Lie

A poem written for The Odd-Holiday Contest on National Honesty Day

I Cannot Tell A Lie

5/1/08

Please do not ask me questions, because I cannot tell a lie.
Once I attempted but sweated buckets; now I do not try.
I need to look away, because my eyes dilate crazily,
And from my own lips, the fabrications sound all nasally.

Please do not tell me when there is a surprise birthday party.
Once I kept it secret until I was alone with Marty.
She told me, "My birthday is probably going to be drab".
I said, "Don't forget your shindig! It is going to be fab!"

Please do not do anything illegal while I am around.
Once I caught my best friend liberating puppies from the pound.
If I become a witness, you will surely end up in jail.
But, for what its worth, I promise to send you lots of mail.

So now I guess you can see why I do not have many friends.
After a hurtful truth comes out, it is hard to make amends.
For a time, the liars of the world may be adored by all,
But in the end, they'll be discovered and finally made small.