The Three Filters Poem by Randy McClave

A friend came running up to me
Not knowing if he was in need or remorse or glee,
He said that he had a story to tell
He just heard it told by another friend he knew well.
There he just stood excitedly at my side
With a story with me he wanted to confide,
Then as my friend began to speak
I told him first reasonings and actions I need to seek.
He was very excited with news he wanted to spew
I then told him to please wait before he wanted to continue,
I then told him first before we are story builders
Let's first go through the 3 filters.
I asked him first could he take a simple test
It could help him in the purpose to this story's quest,
The friend then asked me about the test and was confused
Stories I told him should not be bruised.
I told him first that he might want to meditate or pray
And then maybe think out the story he needs to say,
I then told him that filter one is the filter of truth
If as found out by a detective or even by a sleuth.
My friend said well the story was told to him by another friend
Who lives at the other end,
So, my friend said he doesn't know if the story is actually true
Then I pondered what harm a lie I told him it could do.
I then told him the second filter, is the filter of good
Is the story your going to tell me, will it cause me to smile as it should,
He said no it pertains to someone else and contains a lot of gossip
Then I thought that can only be used as the Devil's profit.
So, you wanna tell me a story not knowing if it's the truth or not
But, it's a good story he believed to me he had brought,
So, about someone else he want to tell me something bad
I wondered, does that make your heart feel glad.
I told him he still could past the test with the story he wants to sow
As there is the third filter that he should know,
The third filter is the filter of usefulness
It is the greatest filter there is I solemnly do confess.
I then asked if it's beneficial for me to hear this information
Will it bring me peace and happiness to my own foundation,
Then my friend thought and said no it would be just a distraction
That would be my truthful reaction.
Then I told my my friend to just let the story lie
If the story you wanna say is not good, truthful or useful in your eye,
Just keep the story to yourself
And please don't pass stories to no one or anyone else.

Randy L. McClave