by Robert - just a simple man - B.
Member since:
April 12, 2007

THE LIE (a lifecycle)

November 25, 2008 09:31 AM EST (Updated: November 25, 2008 12:09 PM EST)
views: 107 | rating: 9/10 (18 votes) | comments: 42

words & photos by robert burnham


 

THE LIE (a lifecycle)

©Robert Charles Burnham

 

It was little when it started
From just one set of lips parted
But towards the door it darted
And found its way outside.

Somebody added another word
While yet another overheard
Always growing more & more absurd
It soon spread far and wide.

All by itself it begat another
Bringing forth more errant brothers
Until the whole Truth was smothered
A person now, unjustly despised

A good name - laid to waste
By untrue words uttered in haste
And now, on my tongue - bitter taste
I'm so sorry that I Lied.







An evildoer listens to wicked lips; and a liar gives heed to a mischievous tongue.  (Prov. 17:04)
link to this page
Bookmark this post:
Facebook
Twitter
Delicious
Buzz
More

Comments: 42

Sharon B. Nov 25, 2008, 10:16am EST
awesome job
Sunaura *. Nov 25, 2008, 10:22am EST
It happens all the time
Mary Bee Nov 25, 2008, 10:29am EST
That is so true.
Candy S. Nov 25, 2008, 10:31am EST
very good. Don't like the picture of the snake. I hate snakes
Lisa Frost Nov 25, 2008, 11:13am EST
Well said my friend.
Glome . . . Nov 25, 2008, 11:50am EST
Robert ... a poem that should become a byword. It is that good. I am copying it for teaching others. Your name, of course, will be attached :) King of La La Land??? Maybe they will take it more seriously if I use Robert :)
ann c. Nov 25, 2008, 11:52am EST
Well done!!!
Kelly Kay Nov 25, 2008, 11:54am EST
I like a man that is strong enough to apologize and admit when
they are wrong~ Good work!
Sheri P. Nov 25, 2008, 12:06pm EST
I agree with Kelly!!
Robert - just a simple man - B. Nov 25, 2008, 12:10pm EST
typo corrected. where's my editor, lol.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Nov 25, 2008, 12:12pm EST
Kelly, I'll put your words in action. Earlier today I wrote something to someone that offended another. 'P', I am sorry.
ann c. Nov 25, 2008, 12:14pm EST
Your "editor" is off somewhere rhyme-pinging people!!!!! Ha, ha, ha!!!
John Philipp Nov 25, 2008, 12:43pm EST
A most excellent poem, Robert.

Thanks.
Tracy Fabre Nov 25, 2008, 1:17pm EST
Ping.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Nov 25, 2008, 1:21pm EST
Ping? An editor of very few words indeed - ONE.
Pat Bertram Nov 25, 2008, 1:22pm EST
Poor snake. Why is he the epitome of a liar? He says only one thing, and it's true: "I am snake."
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Nov 25, 2008, 1:45pm EST
Great stuff Robert!
Angela A. Nov 25, 2008, 2:25pm EST
What did you lie about this time? He, he!
Lovely poem, my friend.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Nov 25, 2008, 2:54pm EST
It's a POEM Angela. Jeez.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Nov 25, 2008, 2:54pm EST
LOL Pat; when I put this together I just knew that eventually someone a little less normal was going to stick up for the snake. I knew it.
*Carol ~Bronx Southern Belle D. Nov 25, 2008, 4:33pm EST
The poem is lovely but the imagery is like whipped cream smoothered in chocolate. Oops! Gotta go eat!
Marie J. R. Nov 25, 2008, 5:03pm EST
This remind me of a writing I did when my granddaughter lied,,, I may post it in future,,, called," The Cub," she almost got her Mother nailed for her lie,,,
People have a need to run,,, so therefore a quick lie, which in itself grows to a bad ending,,,

Great poem Robert,,, Bless you,,,
Robert - just a simple man - B. Nov 25, 2008, 5:27pm EST
No, queen, you're looking in a mirror, you're covered in whip cream and chocolate and I'm on my way to OK with a spoon. lol.

oops that's a lie I'm not on my way to OK.
(but I will be on my way to Houston soon, think I found an apt today)
Angela A. Nov 25, 2008, 7:13pm EST
Hey, Robert, didn't you see, that I wrote, "He, he!"
That means I was kidding, sweety.
I know it's just a poem. You don't have to get snippy.
Jan S. Nov 25, 2008, 7:38pm EST
This is so profound and well written, Robert. So much damage can be done by one small lie. I believed something someone told me more than 25 years ago. It was a spiteful lie, but it affected my life in ways the liar could never have known. I only hope I've never caused anyone that much pain.

"Beware of little white lies. Mosquitos drink more blood than lions."
Deloris Wright Nov 25, 2008, 9:35pm EST
It started with Adam and Eve and It still happons every day. We never learn. Robert I hope you get your Apartment in Texas.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Nov 25, 2008, 9:53pm EST
Thank you Jan. Thanks all of you.
Georgiana S. Nov 25, 2008, 9:58pm EST
great in hindesight
Pat Bertram Nov 25, 2008, 10:08pm EST
Robert: a little less normal? Moi? (Really, though -- thanks for the compliment!)
wayne p. Nov 26, 2008, 12:47am EST
began in the garden of eden. ended on the cross. the cock crows twice. the denial. the death. the resurrection. hind site is 20/20.
(The Other) Dale C. Nov 26, 2008, 2:10am EST
Interesting. Usually I try to respond with something poetic. I am bafoozled on this one... but I did say one in my head, as I read, but now, my mind, is dead.
Lewis (taking over Gather) K. Nov 27, 2008, 12:54am EST
Snakes are cool. so is this poem. Great job.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Nov 27, 2008, 10:59am EST
Love ya Pat! Lewis, snakes are not cool. They slither. Slither is not cool.
pamela r. Nov 27, 2008, 11:35am EST
great as always and so very true.
Beth G. Nov 27, 2008, 1:18pm EST
lies once used, are usually regretted later on. Well done Robert!
Rory M. Nov 27, 2008, 9:47pm EST
Gossip must be one of the most destructive things in human society. And pretty well all gossip is rooted in lies and half-truths.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Nov 27, 2008, 9:59pm EST
Oh, them half-truths just burn me up.
Shelbia C. Nov 28, 2008, 4:19am EST
I don't know about the picture, but I love the poem.
Cheryl R. Dec 17, 2008, 10:37am EST
An eavesdropper hears no good. That is what my grandma said. And, gossip seeks it's own level. Not as pretty as your poem, though, Robert.
hmmm~interesting little poetic~too true
norene t. Apr 24, 2009, 11:58am EDT
Very good!
barb n. Apr 24, 2009, 12:09pm EDT
great!!!! I am putting that up in my office, I like that a lot!!! dropping a ten for you! smile

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Make New Friends | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Health | Moms | Money | News | Politics | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | Writing
Version 16865, "Oz"; Copyright © 2009 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.