Honesty and Hypocrisy

Honesty's the best policy.*
Tolerance is hypocrisy.
Does the peace of mind lie in this:
"To be in good terms with the friends
And tolerate the enemies"?†
Oh, no! It's but mere phoniness.
The lice of a frank, fatal foe
Are far nobler than a fake friend.
2.23.2024

Notes
 * An English proverb
 † Proverbial lines by Hafez

No comments, please!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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

Be the first to comment on this poem. Encourage this poet.

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