Sonnet: God Can’t Be Duped Poem by Dr John Celes

Although I laugh within my heart, I cry;
Although I smile within myself, I’m sad;
Although I sin, avoiding it I try;
Although I’m sound, sometimes I feel, I’m mad.

Some actors make expressions of all kind;
Some wear a mask to dupe the beholder;
The face for all is mirror of the mind,
Becoming wrinkled, mask-like when older.

How long can you thus cheat the world this way?
Experienced men discern the false from true;
Such tricks cannot protect you every day;
There are so many ways to get a cue!

Yet, none can dupe the Maker of your heart!
He knows too well, all creatures and their art.

8-30-2002