Why Do You Lie To Me?

By JF

Why do you lie to me?
To make me feel good for the moment?
To have me looking forward to something that’s never coming?
To keep me from asking you questions? 
‘Cause you had good intentions but never got around to do it?
To have me thinking about all the lies people told me?
‘Cause you know I’ll believe you and won’t question you?
‘Cause I’m locked up?
To protect my feelings?
‘Cause it comes off natural?
Or you just don’t know?
You told me you will always keep it 100% with me
Still, I have to ask you one question
Why do you lie to me?

4 Comments

  1. Brian Chappell on July 28, 2015 at 4:05 PM

    Dear JF,

    Greetings! My name is Brian. I live in Washington, D.C., and I am a high school English teacher.

    Thank you for sharing this poem. Being lied to is one of the worst feelings, isn’t it? Why do people tell lies? For many reasons, but your poem seems to say that people lie in order to avoid telling difficult truths. To avoid hurting each other, and to avoid making themselves feel uncomfortable or guilty. You show your wisdom here in your list of questions. These are things that many people – adults and young people alike – struggle with. The last question – “Or you just don’t know” – is often the answer people will give. We often hurt people without being aware of what we’re doing, and we can’t explain our actions after the fact.

    But entire societies can be built around shared lies. What sorts of lies does America tell itself to keep itself running? It’s not that much different from the personal feelings you share here, and that is why, in my opinion, your poem is so powerful. You speak for yourself, but you also speak for many people who feel lied to. So my advice to you is this – tell your truth. You’re off to a great start here. Keep telling your truth, and I pray that people will tell you theirs.

  2. Emily S. on August 7, 2015 at 3:16 PM

    Hello JF,
    I’m touched by your poem, and want to offer a slight re-write for your consideration. — from a published poet. It’s a little different, but with the same message. Maybe it will give you some new ideas. ES

    Why do you lie to me? To make me
    feel good for a moment? To keep me
    looking forward to something
    that never comes? To keep me
    from asking questions?
    You had good intentions
    but you never acted.
    You want me to think
    about lies people tell.
    You know I”ll believe you
    without question.
    Because I’m locked up,
    to protect my feelings,
    because it feels natural.
    Or you just don’t know
    why you lie?
    You tell me you are always
    there, still I have to ask
    why do you lie to me?

  3. Reid on January 21, 2016 at 6:24 PM

    The questions asked are very good. And the last one is a heartbreaker. Nice piece!

  4. Rachael Sandri on February 22, 2016 at 10:59 PM

    Dear JF,

    I really liked the questions because their repetition strengthened the frustration they evoked in me. I also liked that some of them are questions that we ask ourselves.

    Thank you for sharing your poem, and please keep writing. I’d love to hear more of your stuff.

    Your fan,

    Rachael

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