Stories and Lies

Tell tall stories to amuse,
though they are lies, for they
should please your listeners who refuse
to hear the truth that’s gray.

The story’s all that really counts,
and as for its veracity,
it won’t fall flat but have a bounce
inspired by loquacity,

for that’s the only crime I know
when telling people stories,
but though it won’t make noses grow
it violates the mores

of those who say they’re not amused
by what you’ve got to say.
To all those who are unenthused
you must say: “Go away!”

Although, of course, by doing this,
you violate the rat-
ionale that God had not to diss
all lies and throw to trash

what Truth advised Him to dismiss —
the humans He created —
who, though they’re well beneath contempt,
the Midrash clearly stated

He from truth-telling would exempt,
as Sarah lied and when
all Joseph’s brothers did this, too.
Thus Joseph’s Peace, his yen

more peace than what was strictly true,
though peace and truth his druthers,

he did what diplomats should do,
uniting with his brothers.

He used a goblet he called magic,

but now that trick would fail;

disunity for us is tragic,
in the USA and Israel.