When I taught art tofirst and second graders
they would often
ask me to compliment
their work.
I almost always told
them that it was great,
even if it was crud.
But they knew the truth,
and if it wasn't a masterpiece,
they'd simply tear it up
and start over.
Adults are not as quick
to know the truth,
and don't yearn to find it.
Our egos seem
unduly invested in
what we do
(or how much we earn),
believing that what we are
and do are one in the same.
Even "how are you doing"
isn't really meant to be
answered honestly.
One woman, at dinner,
did, and almost everyone
lost their supper.
Sometimes we ask,
"do you really want to
know (the truth)?"
but even that
doesn't cover
all the bases.
