I may not like what you say of me but if of me you speak the truth <br />Though the truth it can be hurtful if it is not spoken without ruth <br />The truth cannot defame me if of me the truth you say <br />And if the truth taints my character well that too is okay. <br /> <br />But if you tell lies about someone and know them to be lies <br />Then the dislike I'd feel for one like you i barely could disguise <br />For lies can be defamatory when used in such a way <br />Any respect to a malicious liar i would find hard to pay. <br /> <br />The truth it can be hurtful as we all ought to know <br />But out of the truth it can be said respect for one does grow <br />And though you may not like what's said about you at least what's said is true <br />And to the one who speaks the truth credit is always due. <br /> <br />The truth it can be hurtful but the truth is never wrong <br />And those who cannot accept the truth mentally cannot grow strong <br />And though for some the truth is poison they'd rather live a lie <br />The truth lives on forever and the truth will never die.<br /><br />Francis Duggan<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-truth-it-can-be-hurtful/
