by Paul Burgess
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| President Trump’s shifting positions and outright lies have presented the American public with dueling narratives at every turn. —The New York Times, March 8, 2025 |
When caught in bold, apparent lies,
Just look accusers in the eyes
And flash a grave, offended frown
While digging in to double down.
When people say they've gotten proof,
Declare their sources stand aloof
From all that's decent, true, or fair
And freeze them with an icy stare.
Then take their claims and throw them back
And wear them out with your attack.
Their armor takes no time to rend.
They came to charge and not defend.
Insist they envy all your fame
And labor hard to smear your name.
To get the mob to take your side,
Appeal to people's sense of pride.
Convince them that their brains are wired
To see the way your foes conspired
And other folks are not as smart
Or simply play the villain's part.
What's true will shortly be defined
In only ways you have in mind.
Their truth's not worth a bag of beans
Because you'll change what “honest” means.
Just look accusers in the eyes
And flash a grave, offended frown
While digging in to double down.
When people say they've gotten proof,
Declare their sources stand aloof
From all that's decent, true, or fair
And freeze them with an icy stare.
Then take their claims and throw them back
And wear them out with your attack.
Their armor takes no time to rend.
They came to charge and not defend.
Insist they envy all your fame
And labor hard to smear your name.
To get the mob to take your side,
Appeal to people's sense of pride.
Convince them that their brains are wired
To see the way your foes conspired
And other folks are not as smart
Or simply play the villain's part.
What's true will shortly be defined
In only ways you have in mind.
Their truth's not worth a bag of beans
Because you'll change what “honest” means.
Paul Burgess lives in Lexington, Kentucky. He is the sole proprietor of a business that offers ESL, translation, and interpretation services. He speaks several languages fluently and enjoys engaging with the cultures and intellectual histories of many nations. His poems have appeared in Blue Unicorn, The Orchards, Parody, Lighten Up Online, and other poetry publications.
