Bitter Truths

Bitter Truths How much of bitterness is truth we cannot swallow. The acridity of words held idle for too long, fermenting in the cauldron of conceit, the spoils of victory flaunted in feigned servility. What scales measure life against life, gain against greater gain, success against success? Can we not savor the sweetness of another’s gifts without coveting them, bathing them in our envy, sullying them with our rancor? Could we not applaud the valor and perseverance of the triumphant, revel in a rivalry well played, tip our equally soiled cap, nod in an appreciation of a job well done? Must the fist of failure pummel all who do not win, remove the joy of competition’s camaraderie, negate the lessons learned, the hours shared, diminish the successes in setting and eclipsing goals and gains. Does not the acrid stench of final gun fade, slowly drifting on a passing breeze? Why must the truth hold bitter still, unable to accept the success in every failure and the failure in disparaging success. John G. Lawless 1/17/2014