Close? Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Close?

As gossip is to a listening ear.
As slander lands unexpected.
As deceit is to a sweetened tongue.
That's how close they are,
To anyone.

Close?

As a thief is to an open window.
As a criminal is to a cell.
As an ex-convict is to rehabilitation,
In a society on decline.
And doing 'that' very well.

Close?

As cheating spouses are to their lovers.
And wickedness preached in church.
As war is close to peace as it gets.

That's how close are most folks!