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

Poem

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Lamoureux Avatar
February 11, 2016 at 6:40 AM
I was looking through my favorite poems and got to enjoy this one again.
Timperley Avatar
January 24, 2015 at 8:32 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.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 6, 2013 at 1:41 PM
Hi Heather, I hope all is well with you. Merry Christmas and the best of the season. I enjoyed reading this one again.
Hunter Avatar
August 22, 2013 at 11:26 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...;)
Madonsela Avatar
July 25, 2013 at 8:35 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
Gabriella Avatar
July 17, 2013 at 6:06 PM
I really love this. People often prefer comforting lies to the stinging truth. Very good write! :)
Lamoureux Avatar
July 17, 2013 at 11:59 AM
congratulations on this poem being in the top 100 recent poems. I enjoyed reading it again.
Clemons Avatar
July 3, 2013 at 8:20 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.
Dietrich Avatar
July 3, 2013 at 1:29 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.
Lamoureux Avatar
July 3, 2013 at 8:30 AM
Good morning heather, this one was definately worth a reread.
Anglesey Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 6:01 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 :)
Onclaud Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 1:28 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
Kendrick Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 12:06 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
Zerbst Avatar
July 1, 2013 at 9:45 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.
Dietrich Avatar
July 1, 2013 at 8:01 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?
Tacito Avatar
July 1, 2013 at 7:09 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!
Ryerson Avatar
June 30, 2013 at 5:43 PM
Oh my Heather, what a gem with an insightful and wisdom-filled moral...The truth hurts...Yes it sure does - Tim
Lamoureux Avatar
June 29, 2013 at 11:10 PM
Another for my favorites, truthfully a wonderful use of my time this evening. Well done Heather.
Dawson Avatar
June 29, 2013 at 3:00 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!
Manassian Avatar
June 29, 2013 at 10:05 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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