Speaking Some Truth Poem by Alan Bruce Thompson

Diplomacy I know is something I should find,
Because people don’t like it when I simply speak my mind.

I find it quite dishonest not to speak the truth,
To present the intermediate grey, as I was taught in my youth.

Even the worst news should be wrapped in perfume and flowers,
Instead of being direct in seconds, the dismissal should last hours.

To white lie to people is quite all right,
Must not offend, to upset is too impolite.

To swallow all of these lies is ruining my health,
I dare not even know the truth myself.