Truth and Consequences

Some things are better left unsaid best locked in your heart there saved The pain you harbor in your chest is your own, to take to the grave

Life seems a never ending dream

filled with hopelessness and despair

Where we are put to trial everyday

while suffering is everywhere

 

To friends who think they come up short

through transgressions against a mate

Who feel they should confess their sins

then sit back and accept their fate

 

Some things are better left unsaid

best locked in your heart there to save

The pain you harbor in your chest

is your own, to take to the grave

 

Confessing sins to a loved one

while it serves to ease guilt in you

Transfers your pain to the other

who is blameless for what you do

 

Shame is the thing that hurts the most

it teaches us valuable things

Such as what not to do next time

you are hurt and the telephone rings

 

Author's Note

I have given this much thought. Many friends over the years have asked me if they should confess to their lovers. I have come to see it is a selfish act. While most religions and 12 step programs say confess as the Catholics do. I say no. You are crushing the innocent partners soul with your confession. Sometimes it's better to take responsibility for your actions. Live with the pain of what you did. It will help guide you next time. When one laments the wrongs of their life it creates these pains. They are called the conscience. So live with them. And try to be better next time. I have made many mistakes and I shall atone for them in the end. I did these things myself and it is not for others to suffer the consequences. I am glad I will take my own transgressions with me. After all I am responsible for what I do as is everyone. I have spent many years trying to reconcile with myself. I am not saying I did anything truly awful. However I let myself down more than a few times in my youth.

Reviews

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Tate,

Are you getting better as a writer?! It seems to me that your more recent writes greatly surpass what I've read of you in years past. Now know that I have always thought your poetry to be beautiful from a raw passion sense, and that full continues, but your recent skill in language is so wonderful.

Now in this piece, while I really love the poem, I read the "Author's Note" first, and I found the words to be profound. You and I agree wholeheartedly on this and I didn't think that any other really understood this. But you do. I am gratified. This is profound wisdom, Tate. I don't think I have any serious transgressions either--but you never know what might be serious to a loved one. Nonetheless, swallow it. Don't cause grief. Protect your loved ones. If they don't need to know and the knowledge would cause them pain, swallow it. Don't be selfish. Keep quiet and give them a hug instead. Now I'm not advocating lying or going behind a loved one's back. That is pure selfishness as well, and not in the best interests of family. No, I'm talking about protecting the ones you love, not pulling the wool over their eyes. I'm talking about being an adult and making well thought out and generous decisions. I'm talking about withholding unnecessary pain as you are as well.

Beautiful sentiments as always. I get this one and so fully agree.

Best regards,

Rick

[...]

I love the heartfelt sincerity of your words. Very true...very wise:)

[Katrina Mckeown]

well penned and expressive a joy to read, thanks for sharing! :)

[Lovely Lady]

Incredible....

[TL Boehm]

Insightful. Relevant - I am sure its a tough choice and a highly personal one. Trust is delicate.
Well penned.

[Bhavya Kaushik]

I loved the rhythm of this poem. So poetic.
This is indeed a true piece of work. Very thoughtful

[TPK Stories]

Have to agree with you...this is well said.

[BrynnaW.]

Wow... This deeply touched me. It is one of my favorites of yours. It is so true and wise and just a magnificent poem. It really makes the reader look back at their own life and think about everything you put into this. A great read that moved me a lot. Thank you so much for posting this! Great job and keep on writing!

[Nayan]

Oh Tate! I try to learn from you how to receive the bitter experiences of life and to emerge learned and wise! I feel blessed to be able to read and understand what you write.

[Kristallo]

Very acute advise. I can painfully relate to this one, once I shouldered the same burden, and at the time I thought it would clarify me to confess. That wasn't so.

"The pain you harbor in your chest
is your own, to take to the grave" .... This is heart achingly sad, and true. I agree wholly with your message though, it's a powerful one. As for the structure of this poem, it's flawless, the rhythm and meter has a steady, perfect flow. This is an excellent, very thoughtful write. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and talent with us. :)

[Extant]

Life is a personal thing, and all that comes with it. Why else would we, humanity, NOT be in the soup of life. . . ?