Loving Lies

Mother perceived my tender years Could not abide life's harsh facts. She hid them from my eyes, ears With lies woven of loving acts. When our elderly neighbor died I happened on a hearse at his home. She said it would give him a nice ride To a place with a marbled dome. When a lady insane rang our bell I was shocked by her frazzled face. "It's OK, son, she just isn't well." The mildest account of the case. When Lucy Sue was in her teens She left our street without a clue. "She's gone to help an ailing aunt," But that wasn't what others knew. As I matured Mother expressed Hard truths stitched in worldly blue. Her loving lies had been dressed To tailor me for what would accrue. I am in her debt for easing me From knee-high socks to suits. In adulthood I would clearly see Mother's loving lies bore fruits.