The Sting Lingers

 

The Sting Lingers

Michael DeCamp

3/27/2025

 

Truth is a fickle thing

It is what it is, you would think

Two plus two equals four

The sky is blue

The leaves are green

Facts are facts

Until they’re not

Except they still are

Even if disguised

Even if denied

*

They made up a new syndrome

To explain my condition

My immunity to delusions

It has a name.

It comes with a sneer

A roll of the eyes

With a sense of superiority

In my clear-eyed vision

I see the deception

The lies that cloud their minds

*

They can’t see it, though

Or maybe they refuse to see it

Lies on lies, covering up lies

They see what they want to see

Hear what they want to hear

Cheer, cheer, cheer

Blinders on, ears plugged

Can even the stink get through?

The odor of pigsty powerplays?

Seems not

*

Long-time friends condemn me

Loved family won’t listen

Once I was respected,

Once my words carried weight,

Now, I’m ignored, brushed aside

Replaced by a felon

I’m relegated to the heap,

The pit where “libtards” have no voice

A place were “Rinos” go to die

But I’m still here, discerning the truth

*

The innocent are made guilty

And disappear

Food is left to rot

While the hungry starve

Medicine is withheld

Sick babies die

“Don’t look over here…”

“Look over there…”

Distractions and sleight of hand

Magicians with all the money

*

Who’s worse?

The perpetrators?

Or those refusing to see?

Those who hold their tongue?

Or those who wag it like a rag in the wind?

Some say I’m a hypocrite

Because I didn’t speak before

Maybe I’m only late to the party

Because I thought you had more sense

Maybe I gave you credit you didn’t deserve

*

You think I’m wrong?

That’s fine.

But did you even listen?

Did you even consider?

Did you think about what I wrote?

Did you actually read it?

Or did you just roll your eyes?

“There he goes again!”

Just so you know

Your words sting

*

Your words sting

And we may never be the same again

Not because I hate you

Not because I don’t love you

It’s the sting

It lingers

Not because you hate me

Not because you don’t love me

Rather, the stinger went inside

It stung me in the heart