The Word Box Poem by Paul Hartal

The word was locked in a silvery tin box.
Next to it stood on the shelf
a crystal bottle filled with truth.

The politician removed carefully the word
from the box, leaving the truth container
behind in the room.

His speech that afternoon was eloquent,
embellished with ringing statements,
wonderful promises and moving assertions.

His inspired declarations walked energetically
in their checkered shoes carrying forward
the colorful banners of empty meanings.