Once I thought I could trust people at face value
Now I question motives behind people's actions
To ascertain how true every clue
Rings before I acknowledge the veracity of emotions, reactions and predilections.
Once I thought people's thoughts mattered little
Now I wonder if plastic smiles
Conceal more than just spittle
That meanders to seamy sides of life for miles.
Once I thought people prioritized benevolence
Now I know people conspire to inflict harm
On souls they claim to love dishing out malevolence
Behind a façade, a veneer of charm.
Once I thought I could take amity for granted
Now I scrutinize relationships
More closely, critically instead of being enchanted
With sullied smoke silhouetted, simulated as cosy kinship.
Once I thought serpents slithered away
Now I know their forked fangs
Trigger-happy don't delay to slay
Simpleton souls despite their tame tongues.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Experience prevails over innocence in your poem showing more wisdom, some disappointment and sadness. Enjoyed it a lot, smacking the rhythm on my tongue.