Epitaph In Gold Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Substance and content.
One day to be exhibited,
As relics from a forgotten past.
And absurdities to regard,
To have had little value to last.
Greeted to defeat them,
Were those betraying in masquerade.
And making a mockery of truth to live it.
Many who had faith in it to keep,
Became threatened.
Truth to speak left people afraid.
"Get away from me.
I don't want to hear it.
You are too honest.
And, honestly?
I fear it."

It is the substance to discover.
And content found to discuss.
That a few left to remember,
Had long ago been witnessed...
Thrown under a speeding bus.
Left to die.
And brushed aside.
Ceremoniously.
With a praising of their bravery.
Yet...
When substance and content,
Existed to honor with truth.
The tide began to turn.
Until dismissing them were pursued.

"What a fitting epitaph.
On such an elaborate plaque.
Who decided it should be pure gold? "