Deception

The painstakingly painted pretty smile
struggles to sit sanguinely
on burgundy lips that hide the gnashing teeth

the turmoil within looks for a crack
the kohl rimmed eyes blink rapidly
errant tears seep within noiselessly

the carefully made bed with nary a crease
is the silent witness to
what will remain under covers

the moon bedecked in borrowed finery
keeps a tacit eye on the shenanigans
of the devious dark night

tranquil morning hides pewter smudges
behind powder-pink daubs of clouds
sun shines fiercely, unconcerned.

Written for dVerse poetics. Today’s host, Lillian, says:

For today’s prompt, I’d like you to consider one of the adages/proverbs listed below as inspiration for your poem. You don’t have to include the line itself….but we should be able to guess pretty easily, which line you used as a jumping off point to create your poem. Do give the line and its source at the end of your poem, and of course, mention the poem is written for dVerse.

  • “Many hands make light work.” Adagia
  • “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Poor Richard’s Almanack
  • “Fish and visitors stink after three days.” Poor Richard’s Almanack
  • “To err is human, to repent divine, to persist devilish.” Poor Richard’s Almanack
  • Things are not always what they seem.” Bee-Keeper and the Bees” from Aesop’s Fables
  • “The truth shall set you free.” John 8:32
  • “To everything there is a season.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
  • “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” Forrest Gump, the movie.

62 thoughts on “Deception

  1. The sun doesn’t care…cause the sun just slides away, and only smiles…powerful description and powerful mood in your verse, a wonderful poem to read aloud, with the particular sounds you put in with your words….I do like reading your poetry!..even poems hiding sadness and desperation…

    Liked by 1 person

  2. This is gorgeously rendered, Punam! I especially love; “the moon bedecked in borrowed finery keeps a tacit eye on the shenanigans of the devious dark night.”💝💝

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I feel the anguish of the person who tries to put on a happy face to the world. The hidden “pewter smudges” tells the story for me. I hope she may leave dark night behind soon. Beautiful poem with sad content.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Beautifully written, Punam. The imagery says so much and makes the imagination wonder what went on the “dark devious night” before. I also loved:

    “tranquil morning hides pewter smudges
    behind powder-pink daubs of clouds
    sun shines fiercely, unconcerned.”

    Liked by 1 person

  5. perfect expression of DV where it’s all hidden and darkness simmers only leading downhill … great wordsmithing sis!

    Seems not all your articles are coming into my reader, no idea how that’s happening

    Liked by 1 person

      1. so many complaints about the distress it’s causing that it’s on the news and providers have given us more GB but that only helps if it works!

        Liked by 1 person

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