Undisguised Honesty

If raw ink-drops would bleed our deepest thought

And there would be no seal upon our pen

If we should dare to unleash verbal blood

Allowing suppressed emotion its free reign

Would any love us when the truth has spilt?

Or would love redeem the anguish of our guilt?

Distorted law may raise its gavel higher

And sear truth’s parchment in its pious clutch

The fullness of admission sparks a fire

Where secret follies are too clear to touch

And judgment blushes, for a kindred spark

Opens to usher light into the dark

If raw ink drops would spill across a page

Where none could shield the truth with painted lies

If honesty would blaze on center stage

Appalling in its naked un-disguise

Would there be any left to shake our hand?

Would any whisper, yes, I understand?

© Janet Martin