In Other Words

In Other Words

By Elton Camp

Euphemisms verbally avert our eyes
Thus, the unbearable truth disguise 

Unpleasant facts from selves to keep
I had my faithful dog “put to sleep”

Aunt Jane recently “passed on”
When into death she has gone

Salacious Sally “turned a trick”
Prostitution carries such ick

“Ethnic cleansing” is easier to abide
Than calling the action genocide

“Negative patient outcome” can hide
The plain fact that the person died

A lady always “powders her nose”
When it’s to urinate that she goes

An “early retirement option” I took
Better than “I was fired” it’ll look

“Culturally deprived neighborhood”
Sounds better than “a slum” would

To say “enhanced interrogation”
To avoid “torture” connotation

These are examples of tries
Unpleasant truths to disguise
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

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