Understated Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

People continue,
To do to themselves...
Done to accuse.
And blame on others of doing.
Hoping this will gain them empathy.
From those listening to hear,
Them trying to depict their childhood...
As one raised by wolves,
Abandoned and left to survive...
The licking of moss off trees and rocks.

Yet...
Forget lies already told.
Bragging about,
Being envied by other kids.
While growing up in the projects.
Being over protected by older siblings.
Who would treat them as if orphans!

If anyone should want to hear,
Stories told to bring them to tears.
Going to church would not disappoint.
The hypocrites have prepared,
The biggest lies they can create.
As if in a testimonial competition.
And...
With each other.
Getting the church organist,
The choir, the minister...
And entire congregation on their feet.

This to witness,
Would be discovered neither to embellish...
Or exaggerate.
But...
Thought to have been understated.
To protect the truth for what it is.