*****

On American land originally lived tribes who waged whole wars by counting bloodless coup and then reporting on their totals with unfailing honesty.

In which a lie was so unknown that it was believed you had to have a second tongue to tell one (origin of the mistranslated phrase ‘forked tongue’).

Even after our Caucasian arrival, in the days of the Pioneers, a firm handshake and a straight look was considered sufficient to seal most contracts successfully.

A recent survey of our own culture proves our average rate of untruth to reach ~ including social media, “white lies,” and societywide acceptance of base platitude as “etiquette” ~ six times in every ten minutes’ exchange.

*****

Recorded Reading (0:54): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rinp72rdnsxeyvdksb8mg/Media-Frenzy.mp3?rlkey=ir78un7ov0b8vmydhv97vfecz&dl=0

*****

Media Frenzy

In nine of ten our sitcoms of
But one plot may be found:
The “comical” contortions
Some total lie around

What must we do to cover up?
Whom can, and cannot, tell?
Have we the skills prevaricate
And cover it up well?

How closely can we imitate
What’s given to us to relate ~
Are we devastatingly cool
Like that young star who makes us drool?

Myself, grow with this story bored
In honest times, such were abhored
I think it would be much more fun
To settle on a different one

*****

This poet presently lives at a fraction of her nation’s poverty level.

Arts patrons may visit http://www.UgiftABLE.com , using code #72D-31S, or choose to donate by personal check. It will take about two weeks for the poet to be notified of your patronage.

Thank you for supporting quality in the fine arts