Timeout

It takes two to speak the truth: one to speak, and another to hear. - Thoreau

truth is when clouds part

and arguments and beatings stop

long enough for trembling lips to utter prayers to the heavens

and destiny to overpower fate

when weeping absconds and sin passes out

long enough for stars to shine

and hoarded life to liberate

when denial takes a break

and reason finally stands up to emotion

long enough for aurora to paint

and colors to bleed

when faith triumphs

long enough for God to embrace

and beget eternity

when what should have been is

Author's Note

"I sat at a table where were rich food and wine in abundance, and obsequious attendance, but sincerity and truth were not; and I went away hungry from the inhospitable board." - Thoreau

Reviews

[Ruth]

The veil between truth and silence is only ever a brave sentence away :) I love the cascading effect this poem has Pete...very beautiful and richly layered and really gives the reader some amazing visuals. What we are told is the truth is always incredibly different to what exactly the truth is...excellent piece of poetry :)

[Pete]

thank you my dear friend ... :)

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Beautiful and true...truth is heard by few ...daughters by few spoken by few...but the fruit of its depth brings freedom like non other...in knowing it is heard and seeking it is found...🌹🌹

[Pete]

thank you kindly for sharing. being liberated is a wonderful but not easy. as the good book says, "ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

truth is when clouds part
and arguments and beatings stop

How relevant those words are in the current climate. We might well look to the heavens for answers.

Beautifully visual piece Pete. Great poetry.

Chris

[Pete]

thanks for reading chris. i appreciate your astute, honest thoughts ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome my friend :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

"and hoarded life to liberate" love that.
this can apply to all of us in general...all over the world...all the fighting, ugliness, lack of love...
but also to one particular relationship with abuse, where one side or the other or both cannot find peaceful terms, cannot see that their love is worth saving, worth compassion and understanding.
we need more of that.
terrific poem here Pete.
j.

[Pete]

thank you for stepping in j. ... :)

[Serene Star]

I love the imagery here
The idea of prayer
Brings about that break
Silence - and pause within our lives

When no one matters anymore
And the soul comes out to be - to forgive - to ask for forgiveness
Very holistic poem - enjoyed it alot!!

[Pete]

all needs/takes a break so the smoke is cleared and the veil is lifted. must be able to see in order to commence healing. the pause that refreshes. thanks. a "serene star" fits right in here ... :)

[emmajoy]

Truth is telling how things are? Truth is how each of us observe what the truth is? People drape words around truth, it isn't pretence or falsehood, is each person's idea of right and wrong, perhaps. One person is willing to do or not do something, say something, give or take with equal value or not. Perhaps. Your finely written words ask questions, but.. as should, leave answers to your readers. Tis the old thing: do unto others ...
then, face yourself when you dare.

[Pete]

interesting ideas on the matter. your points unravel what it even is or should be, calling its meaning into question. a lot of relativity as you point out. one's lie can be another's truth and vice versa. do unto others is perhaps a good measure of a not easy subject. you imply that it is objective rather than subjective. we all indeed do have to live with ourselves although not all do so with conscience. right/wrong, good/evil, could go on and on. thanks for sharing insightful thoughts em ... :)

[emmajoy]

Perhaps there'll be a time when I find the truth as it is rather than what it might be! Many thanks for writing as you always do, thoughtfully. Tis good to find different points of view about something so ivital.

[Sami Khalil]

I love it. Masterful take on the definition of truth and how it connects to no denials when witnessed and or experiences. Accompanying song is wonderful. You are always precise and to the point.

[Pete]

thank you sami. you spread positivity and it is infectious ... :)

[Sami Khalil]

Yes siiiirrrr. You are welcome.