Botoxed Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

The only people,
Feeling they must dispute truth...
And defend themselves against it,
Are those who fear the losing...
Of their freshly injected botoxed smiles.
With wishes to keep them undetected,
When under pressure to express honesty.

'Honey?
You've had that same smile on your face,
For at least six months.
In the beginning I was excited to see you.
But I must admit,
Your smiling has begun to creep me out.'

~Remember...
You were the one to convince me,
To run for public office.
And the only way that I could win,
Is to pretend I was always happy.~

'Yeah, but gee whiz...
I don't have the satisfaction,
Of arguing with you anymore.
Even when you disagree with me,
That smile is left on your face.'

~Baby...
How do you think politicians get elected?
By being honest and direct?
Truth today is no longer respected.
My smile has been effective.
In and out of this house.
Have you noticed how the children,
Annoy me less? ~

'You've scared them into paying you,
More attention with a listening to do.
They have become afraid.'

~And they say botox,
Is a rage that will fade.~