Saying things that are honest
is no fun.
It leaves you open to ridicule
and shame and beatings
and finger-pointings
– which might be the worst.

I guess saying things
that are honest
could have some rewards
if what is honest isn’t offensive
or aberrant
or dangerous or cruel
(I worry that honesty
is usually all of them).
If honest things are good,
then I guess sharing them would be good, too.

Saying things that are honest
causes me trouble
the very few times I’ve done it
which might explain
why it’s such a rarity for me.

It is also
why I am so scared
to ask people to be honest with me.
I find it much safer
to avoid that risk altogether
don’t you?

You can tell me.
Really.