Brutal Truth by Sheila Odom Hollinghead

(A pantoum based on Emily Dickinson's:
Tell all the Truth but tell it slant —
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth’s superb surprise
As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind —)

Brutal Truth by Sheila Odom Hollinghead

Brutal truth shatters our self delusions.

Clashing cymbals

pierce as truth blinds and tears

soundless fall.

Clashing symbols of

self shatter and delusions

soundless fall.

Truth lies content.

Self shattered and delusions

searingly engraved by

truth, lies contend

for fragile souls.

Searing in graves,

piercing truth blinds and tears

fragile souls.

Brutal truth shatters our self delusions.