Truth

"Truth is true even if nobody believes it." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Truth

What is truth?

     But sun setting fire to a mountain ridge,

     Dust kicked up on a gravel road,

     A leaf of grass in a child’s hand,

     Cool sweat on a lover’s lips,

     A stranger’s smile,

       Or a snowflake on bare skin?

Is it more than a simple dance,

     A child’s game of tag,

     A front porch melody?

Deeper than a person’s eyes,

     A family’s prayer,

     Or a last goodbye?

Can you put in words?

     String it out in syllables on a kitchen wall.

     Tape it by the bathroom sink.

Does it change?

     Bend to the president’s will.

     Twist on dark nights in dark places.

Can I speak it?

Can it leave my lips like honey and fire,

     Touching your very soul?

If I can’t speak it, then I’ll write it,

And truth will set that ridge ablaze,

     Kick up that dust,

     Comfort that hand,

     Raise sweat on those lips,

     Bring out that smile,

     And chill your skin.

It will form your dance.

You’ll chase it like a child,

     And sing it on your porch.

And when you look deep in the mirror by your bathroom sink,

     You’ll see it in your eyes.

It’ll cry out in your prayers,

     And make every goodbye sweet like honey.

What I write

     Won’t bend

     Or twist

     Or change

     As it sets you free.

                       Jack Shirley