My friend admits she told a lot of lies –
some social, many hiding feeling shame.
She says she’s learned – at 70, she tries
to tell “her truth” to each. I watch her claim
she won’t retreat, now honesty’s her goal.
But sometimes lesson-learners over do.
She tends to preach while tending to her soul,
announcing declarations like they’re new.

I early chose to not misrepresent.
I enter conversation with no mind
to lie. Clear speech is always my intent.
But if my interlocutor’s inclined
to not attend, to flounce or disrespect,
I take that as a license to deflect.