Don't Be Like That Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Don't be like that.
One who wishes to be forgiven.
But can't return it back.
Don't be like that.

Don't be like that.
One who lies and embellishes,
What is not true.
Then expect honesty from others.
But can not accept,
Them to be direct and truthful.
Because it upsets and offends you.
Don't be like that.
Don't be the one,
Quick to stab others in the back.
Only those who speak,
With truth to say.
You should welcome it to hear it.
And not like some,
Who today think of truth...
As a weapon to use.
On someone to abuse.

Most people today,
Rely on gossip to relay.
Not caring to know,
If what they hear is factual.
To then spread rumors,
With them done to have others believe.
To then sit and wonder why,
Relatives, friends, neighbors and their children.
Talk about unity in their communities.
But how can that be done.
When lies are told.
And heard them spoken about everyone.

Don't be like that.
If you are not living to know facts.
Find out what they are.
Before becoming the one trapped.
By something you said or done to do.
When the choice was yours,
To just listen.
Instead of becoming the victim.
Of an open mouth.
Well known by others,
More lies come out of it.
Than truth to hear is seldom told.
Don't be like that.
Even though to you,
The truth may be painful.
But your pain need not to be shared.
Or exaggerated to embellish your agony.