I tried to save a drowning world
just one person or many more
in response I found myself
holding tight to a slack rope
consider why this might be
the cause for rampant suffering
victims sent to their fates
while the waters drew them in

dissonance will rule the day
when cognitive is sent astray
denying all that conflicts
with beliefs held close to heart
contradictions are the norm
up is down while left is right
as the discomfort indicates
worse may come if truth is met

embarrassment follows next
declaring error cannot pass
for losing face is tantamount
to deepest shame one can endure
in for the penny says the proud
a pound to follow no matter what
to see the end at any price
if pride is bruised by facts at hand

information is not enough
when stubbornness is job one
drawing lines that can’t be crossed
without offending ego’s charge
by the bane of firm belief
buttressed by aplomb’s deceit
the afflicted will turn away
descending deep to liquid graves.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180507.