Three Word Wednesday requires participants
to use the three words of the week in a composition.
The words this week were Assign, Pretense and Traverse.
Respect
Without a doubt, it’s a fine pretense,
The face we show the world.
We all assign a pretty mask
While behind, the truth is curled.
Respect
That no-one is perfect.
Don’t ask
To cross the outer skin,
To traverse beyond their defences,
If only to reject what lies within.
.
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© J Cosmo Newbery 2013
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Marvelous composition!! So much truth and the skeletons will begin to rattle!! Well chosen words and so meaningful J Cosmo!!
ReplyDeleteWho knows what lies behind the mask? One has to trust one's instincts.Best never tamper with the outer skin if one does not like surprises.
ReplyDeleteI love that respect that no one is perfect.
ReplyDeleteOuch. If only my mask was as beautiful as the one portrayed here I might never come out from behind it.
ReplyDeleteI have nothing more intelligent to say than what an amazing poem. This is one of those works that really touches my soul. There is so much truth here!
ReplyDeleteSo many people have perfected that mask. Sometimes I need to remind myself that as you point out, no one is perfect!
ReplyDeleteOh I love a poem that has bite!
ReplyDeletewell done, Cosmo
xxx
A mask conjures lots of mysteries. Wonder what will be revealed if unmasked. Beautiful take Cosmo!
ReplyDeleteHank
We all don a mask at some time or other; sometimes more than others.
ReplyDeleteWell written.
The first stanza is so true:)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful...understand no one is perfect is fundamental, but, people take a long time to understand this basic thing.
ReplyDeleteVery well written.
i like the "respect that no one is perfect"..how much we lose with putting up masks.
ReplyDeleteSo very true, J Cosmo. Some people are just like that. They come in the guise of a friend, weasel in beneath the surface, and then stick pins in a person from within!
ReplyDeleteYour respect makes great sense, and is beautifully expressed. WHy badger for a vulnerability and then reject it? Why badger at all?
ReplyDeleteI just noted that Mary and I used badgers and weasels to express negative action. No harm meant! I've got to watch this language every minute not to apply stereotypes and assumptions. Language is a great trickster and troublemaker.
ReplyDeleteThe beauty is that we don't need to be alike to respect each other. I'd argue it is our differences where we learn what true respect is.
ReplyDeletetrue...none are perfect...ourselves included, which should lead us to grace for others, but far too many get caught up in themselves and care little about the others and truly understanding them...
ReplyDeleteYes, it's always interesting when people drop their masks. You have to get to the trust point to allow it to slip. Loved this, J Cosmo.
ReplyDeleteThis is the perfect theme for the three words, and they fit seamlessly into your perfectly rhymed Herrick's stanza.
ReplyDeletePowerful words and beautifully expressed. Being yourself is the only way to ever experience true love
ReplyDeleteReally lovely write--I loved what you did with the words assigned
ReplyDeleteFantastic message in this poem, especially its closing message. Great nugget of wisdom, kiddo!
ReplyDeleteNo matter the outer skin or the mask worn respect sets the tone for what may come. Nice Write!
ReplyDeleteFeeling philisophical today? being judgmental is so easy, it's rare to find those who will let you lower that mask--an excellent write as always:-)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I love to pretend and lie !!!
ReplyDeleteSometimes the truth is ugly, unpleasant, or nonproductive.
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This brings to mind Roger Green's wonderful, thought-provoking post (read it here: http://www.rogerogreen.com/2013/07/21/beauty-skin-deep/ ) about the "mask" of the Boston Marathon suspect. And all of us have masks we show the world. Then we get home and look in the mirror and really see.
ReplyDeleteCos, once again, extraordinary poetry. Amy
Goodness this is so true...
ReplyDeleteWow, fabulous response to the three-word prompt. It flows as if you'd thought of the words yourself. And the mask photo is perfect.
ReplyDeleteK
Nicely done
ReplyDelete:D
We do all don our masks - often different masks in different situations. It is true that we may not like what we see (in others) if we delve too deep and likewise, them of us.
ReplyDeleteAnna :o]
Very profound! we all carry masks
ReplyDelete