We like to pretend

With our words on open lips

And ready tongues

That we spill truth like diamonds--

Generous, unafraid.

And that we know naught

Of slanted words or shaded meanings

Honesty--the best policy--

The greatest joke

We tell our lies

Like we tell our names,

Until we believe them too,

Or at least can pretend

That we do.

Lying to ourselves as well.

Other people tell lies like

I don't know

It wasn't me

I forgot it at home

Not guilty

I love you too

While I say

I was able to get to sleep

The loss of him doesn't hurt me

Never felt better

I'm fine