By Sean Dempsey, 6/5/24
For ol’ Truth, you ask, with misty eye?
No, I’m afraid he’s gone today.
Left out those doors and not seen since—
Though I long begged him to stay.
His words ignored, his children bored;
Unloved, he took his leave;
His songs unsung for many years,
His proverbs not believed.
Ah, but he left behind a note to find—
To be read by one who’d hear.
Since you’re the first to seek Him out,
Then take it; have no fear.
With a crimson pen, on sallow rag
Was scribbled this one phrase;
My eyes ablaze, my senses raised,
As I looked onto the page:
“Dear reader know these simple words—
And may I beg you please—
I implore you now to long ignore
A cure worse than the disease.
The Apothecary’s filled your cup to brim
With ‘cures’ that balm or mend;
But ignore all advice that leads to strife
And turns friend against a friend.”
