Fooling Yourself

Try to sustain yourself on truth if you can,
but your noble aim will quickly come to naught.
Life is bitter, and so too are the actions you must take,
and they require skills that can't be taught.

Only the honest try to blind others, for they keep,
within their breasts a spark of life as it must be. 
And they will burn from the fire they protect,
knowing that others never wished to see. 

But you cannot afford the truth as they,
so burrow down within your very heart,
rip up the thistle that is reality, 
and you will find yourself right at the start.

Two paths to take, but only one will do.
Fool yourself, and pain cannot break through. 

Written for "The Jester" contest, sponsored by Kai Michael Neumann
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Rodd Avatar
August 19, 2017 at 8:38 PM
.."the thistle that is reality". I like that! Great Poem!!
F. Avatar
August 20, 2017 at 11:34 AM
Thank you!
De Beaulieu Avatar
August 11, 2017 at 2:34 PM
James this is good advice for anyone that needs it. This is my fav. have a nice day my friend.
F. Avatar
August 12, 2017 at 9:22 AM
Thanks! You too
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace