What Is Real?

Bella Shepard

What is real and what is not?

What is true and what is not?

It seems to be a matter of opinion these days

Or do we simply believe what benefits us most

Now, Politicians

They are the consummate purveyors

Of confusing reality and truth

Of a well worn strategy

To keep us off our guard

Confuse us

Make us believe in the shadows

Encourage us to doubt

And never let us see

What is right before our very eyes

Their mantra?

“Never believe the opposition, for they lie”

And if they spew misinformation enough

Then the theory goes

We should end up believing it

Even if they don’t

Which they don’t

Smoke and mirrors is their game

And we, giving up our power

To question and challenge

Placing our trust in the hands of a few

Have no idea what we have forfeited

I listen to them, I watch them

Well oiled and duplicitous

Never answering the questions

Put to them

But dancing a well choreographed fandango

No need of castanets and tambourine

So skilled are they to capture our attention

They say what we want to hear

Instead of what we need to hear

We are now on the road to our destiny

But it is getting darker

Harder to avoid the obstacles in our path

Unable to see the signposts

That could lead us to safety

And perhaps when we finally arrive

We will look around and see

The Truth

The Reality

And mourn our lack of insight

For having been so duped

For sometimes

You just have to learn the hard way

  • Author: Bella Shepard (Pseudonym) (Offline Offline)
  • Published: January 21st, 2024 13:21
  • Comment from author about the poem: Sorry about the rant, but I watched one of our politicians being interviewed on CNN this AM, and was waiting for his head to burst into flames. Couldn't help myself. It was either this, or wake up in the middle night fuming. Now I think I'll go watch Singin In The Rain, it always cheers me up.
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 44
  • Users favorite of this poem: Teddy.15, Doggerel Dave, Accidental Poet, Qurrathul Ain
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Comments11

  • Teddy.15

    Don't apologise ever for your poetry rants, I think most people feel the same right now about their politicians and lies I've come to the stage where nothing surprises me, but actually without our vote they wouldn't have such power in the first place, it's hard to trust but we must always hope that they may come through as being a great leader and a builder of roads and bridges rather than knocking them down. ❤️ I am with you 100%

    • Bella Shepard

      Thank you my Teddy. Since we must have both good and bad in this world, I'll now have to go to work on the better half. Hope will always spring eternal.

    • sorenbarrett

      So true Bella politics is a dirty sales business and an honest politician would never get elected. Sad but a fact trust is a word that does not belong here. A good write.

      • Bella Shepard

        Thank you most kindly my friend, a sad fact indeed.

      • Lorenz

        The european people are sinking into a worrying nihilism.More and more each individual is becoming an uprooted asocial reality .We are now beyond the ferments of the decomposition .
        The Kensington spirit eats away at the very core of the dream...

        • Bella Shepard

          We are approaching a tipping point on so many levels, descending into global madness. I ask myself if this entropy is unavoidable. Thank you for your comment!

        • Doggerel Dave

          No argument from me whatsoever, Bella.
          ‘The truth The reality’ to be found in every one of your lines.
          Pollie’s head bursting into flames as they spewed forth such overheated nonsense is an image I’ll not forget for a long while.
          Muchly enjoyed your ”rant”.

          "Reality Becomes You" - special tribute.

          • Bella Shepard

            Dearest Dave, Thank you so much for your comment, your encouragement, and your friendship!

          • Accidental Poet

            Every time I see a debate, it's never about what the politicians will do to build a better nation and protect its people. But instead, it's about throwing the competition under the bus. Lie about the other guy as much as possible. It's never about what the people and nation need and want. And this is a democracy? (shaking head) It's like immature 10-year-olds in a club of wann-a-be bosses. How would our forefathers react to today's politicians drama acts? Great write Bella.

            • Bella Shepard

              Thank you so much my friend, we see right through them, we know what's coming before they open their mouths. Sadly, our forefathers would shake their heads and say, perhaps it is inevitable if you don't do the work to keep your democracy. Take care!

            • Neville

              I rave about your mightily impressive rant Bella and agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments contained within & the observations that prompted its crafting .. With only very few exceptions, they are not only consummate liars but are responsible for killing more people each year back on back than heroin, great white sharks and Covid combined .. Rant over #2 ..

              Neville

              • Bella Shepard

                Here, here my friend, absolutely true! We are as Diogenes, carrying our lantern, looking for an honest man. The light is getting dimmer, but we need the strength to keep it lit. Take care dearest Nev, thank you!

              • Goldfinch60

                "How do you know when a politician is lying?"

                "Their lips move!"

                Andy

                • Bella Shepard

                  Good one Andy! Without humor, how would we stand them?

                • orchidee

                  An interviewer about to interview an Archbishop said to him 'Heck, man (the diluted version!) don't be so honest in your interviews; shuffle things around a bit!'
                  Meanwhile - is KP real? lol.

                  • Bella Shepard

                    Oh Orchi, lol. Thank you my dear, you capture the essence!

                  • Cassie58

                    Your poem certainly stirs up my own thoughts. Never have I felt so politically homeless as I do now. Such a lack of trust, broken promises. I can’t believe any more what they say. Broken politics. Your rant echoes my own mood Bella. Perfectly poemed.

                    • Bella Shepard

                      Thank you so much for your comment. I guess misery loves company, and I find myself in the best company. Where do we who dispair go for comfort these days? We find each other, we hold hands and take the leap of hope together. Take care!

                    • Thomas W Case

                      So true. Fantastic writing.

                      • Bella Shepard

                        You are the kindest my friend, thank you!

                      • Cassie58

                        Dear Bella, a justified rant. We have the same problems with our politicians on this side of the pond. It is a betrayal of trust when they say they are going to do one thing, and then do the opposite. Currently politically homeless. I relate and many others will too. Have a great weekend.



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