Integrity & Authenticity

We’re wearing costumes.
We dress up in virtuous veils.
Strip to birthday suit. 

Without coverings,
open to the elements.
Yes, fully exposed.

…

Naked, full frontal.
Uncovered and discovered.
Costumes not needed.

Disrobing with trust.
Garments, mask, concealer, bye!
Truth is courageous.

…

True close encounter.
Face to face and eye to eye.
No need for makeup.

Innocent secrets,
here, hidden just between us.
Pristine silences.

…

We’re nothing special, 
and extraordinary.
We are who we are.

True to our nature,
no added ingredients.
No artifices.

…

To hold it lightly, 
while taking it seriously.
And keeping it real.

Real food and real goods,
authentic gold, gem, smile, self.
Forgeries are lies.

…

‘Ever,’ ‘forever,’ 
intentions, resolutions.
‘Always’ is a lie. 

Even when well meant, 
vows, promises are broken.
‘Never’ is untrue.

…

True intimacy,
intimidating, risky.
Worth taking the chance.

…

Distractions galore,
call their attention, here, here!
Focus on this, now.

Temptations abound,
here, there, everywhere they look.
Take a deep breath, sigh.

…

Without reverence,
what truly matters, doesn't.
Gets lost in the mire.

In the muck we must
call, recall lightness, goodness.
Lift foot, take a step.

…

“Nice” neutrality,
when facing atrocity:
cruel complicity.

Misguided action,
despite a kind intention,
may have cruel impact.

…

In awe of poets,
they face wrongs, indifference,
and do what they can.

…

They take chances, risks,
willing to lose health, life, all,
for their principles.

They’re taking a stand,
it's a virtuous, valiant stance.
For this, against that.

…

True to their compass, 
when saying ‘yes’, ‘no’, ‘maybe’.
Sleep much better now.

… 

That’s not who we are. 
We’re better than that, they say.
So, who is ‘that’, then?

...

Honor, keep our word.
To fulfill what was promised.
It is difficult.

…

There’s a price to pay.
Honesty, integrity.
Dangerous. Worth it.

It does not come free.
Ask for that which we deserve.
It is worth the price.