A Box of Truth

I bought a box of truth from a peddler down the street,
even though he told me its veracity might sting.
I handed him a stack of bills and asked for a receipt.
 
The box was wrapped in violet silk and tied with silver string.
I gripped the lid with shaking hands and paused with bated breath,    
even though he told me its veracity might sting.
 
The truth inside the box was even uglier than death.
It slapped me with repugnance and assaulted with its stench. 
I gripped the lid with shaking hands and paused with bated breath. 
 
I closed the box in panicked shock and struggled not to blench.
Receipt in hand, I hurried to return the wretched truth.
It slapped me with repugnance and assaulted with its stench.
 
I found that lousy peddler selling boxes from his booth.
He studied me with sympathy and eyed my violet crate.
Receipt in hand, I hurried to return the wretched truth.
 
With fingers clenched in fury and a heart awash with hate,
I bought a box of lies from that peddler down the street.
He studied me with sympathy and eyed my yellow crate.
I handed him a stack of bills and asked for no receipt.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2013



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Date: 2/11/2016 6:40:00 AM
I was looking through my favorite poems and got to enjoy this one again.
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Date: 1/24/2015 8:32:00 AM
Hi Heather, just meandering through Poetry Park and found your bench so I will rest awhile. My memory has always been flawed so I have to rely on the truth. I'll never meet that Pedlar. Very clever write. God Bless. D.
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Date: 12/6/2013 1:41:00 PM
Hi Heather, I hope all is well with you. Merry Christmas and the best of the season. I enjoyed reading this one again.
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Date: 8/22/2013 11:26:00 AM
I don't usually care much for these....that being said....I love this one! It's really got some grain to it. It's a powerful piece, Heather, and you put it all together perfectly. Hats off to ya, ma'am...;)
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Date: 7/25/2013 8:35:00 AM
The poem has rhythmic element to it. Which makes it a very fun poem to read . Creativity shown in this write soo amazing. thanx for sharing wonderful gem * smiles* Ron
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Date: 7/17/2013 6:06:00 PM
I really love this. People often prefer comforting lies to the stinging truth. Very good write! :)
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Date: 7/17/2013 11:59:00 AM
congratulations on this poem being in the top 100 recent poems. I enjoyed reading it again.
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Date: 7/3/2013 8:20:00 PM
Very deep, so much expression to take in, Heather. Beautifully written, and enjoyable. My name is Jiril Clemons, check out some of my poems, might find one you like. Peace.
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Date: 7/3/2013 1:29:00 PM
so you like candy too. I feel like we have a lot in common. I ate a HUGE amount of candies as a kid. but today I go more for "salty" Let me see if I can find a poem of yours new for me.
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Date: 7/3/2013 8:30:00 AM
Good morning heather, this one was definately worth a reread.
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Date: 7/2/2013 6:01:00 PM
Heather, I sat on the edge of my seat a little through this one. Very captivating and sort of similar to Pandora's Box ... I've never tried this tricky form. You are very clever :)
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Date: 7/2/2013 1:28:00 PM
stunning work leading to the truth, heather... this form is quite restrictive, still, you managed to deliver the goods ( no pun intended) with rhythmic flow and depth of metaphors... admirable!..:) huggs
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Date: 7/2/2013 12:06:00 PM
These are not so easy to write and you have carried it out with excellency..Enjoyed reading this one today..Thanks for stopping by..Your presence at my work is uplifting...Sara
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Date: 7/1/2013 9:45:00 AM
I admire how you were able to keep the story going strong with so many restrictions in form, rhyme, rhythm, etc. It reads as if it were merely written down, and not with these limiting factors! Truly an excellent piece.
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Date: 7/1/2013 8:01:00 AM
WOW< this is amazing, Heather!! Such a strong terzanelle. Love the symbolism you used . These kinds of poems have to be constructed so carefully. I spend hours when I do one usually. I really admire your presentation!! How long did it take you?
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Date: 7/1/2013 7:09:00 AM
This almost felt like a Slam piece. My goodness, did I applaud to this (true story, I actually did). The reactionary emotions in these lines is very similar to most people who cannot/will not accept change and/or the truth. Superb writing, Heather!
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Date: 6/30/2013 5:43:00 PM
Oh my Heather, what a gem with an insightful and wisdom-filled moral...The truth hurts...Yes it sure does - Tim
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Date: 6/29/2013 11:10:00 PM
Another for my favorites, truthfully a wonderful use of my time this evening. Well done Heather.
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Date: 6/29/2013 3:00:00 PM
I really enjoyed the poem and enjoyed examining a form which to close to the Pantoum and the Villanelle ~ excellent use of rhythm, and allegorical language ~ my saying, "Well done!", would not do your poem justice ~ excellent work!
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Date: 6/29/2013 10:05:00 AM
Heather....this is so true. The truth does hurt and often it is easier to turn a blind eye or just say...."Yea, ignorance is bliss." Good for you for bringing this to light in such a creative way. You KNOW I'm a fan! :) Hugs!
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