Pentimento (3)

Third in a sequence of three poems with the same title.

(truth: the numbers are not to be read aloud)

Heads (lies):
1. It is day now. 2. My family is Irish.
3. My siblings and I have Irish names for this reason.
4. It is bright out. 5. Shelter dogs make good pets.
6. Airplanes are statistically the safest way to travel.
7. The knife drew blood. 8. I grew up with a tree house.
9. I was praised for my singing voice. 10. The knife meant no harm.
11. All stars are dead light. 12. My mother was gentle.
13. Whoever prays loudest will reach the Lord first.
14. Birds kiss my fingers. 15. At home, I am welcomed.
16. My work-hours are long. 17. God kisses my knuckles.
18. Life does get better. 19. You will find friends.
20. Behave yourself, and conditions will improve for your people.
21. Behave yourself, such violence is never the answer.
22. Mass media can be trusted. 23. You are in good health,
so eat what you like and sing joyful songs.

Tails (truths):
1. It is always witching-hour. 2. French and Italian.
3. Our parents just liked the sound of them.
4. It’s black as sin now. 5. Never in my experience.
6. Boeing faked the suicides of two whistleblowers scot-free.
7. The blade trembled, impotent. 8. We barely had grass.
9. My family would silence me. 10. I wanted to die.
11. We’ve no way of knowing. 12. When I had cramps.
13. My mumblings are as worthy to be heard as your shouting.
14. The winged are skittish things. 15. I am still fleeing.
16. Unemployment has benefits. 17. A song for a pfennig, Sir?
18. Not if you’re Autistic. 19. I have lost friends.
20. You will grow accustomed to undrinkable water.
21. The Sandinistas were right, and so are the Houthis.
22. The billionaires are behind the curtain. 23. I am ailing;
come, see the wine spilling from my side, and drink of it.

Author's Note

Published by Eunoia Review, Jan. 2026:
https://eunoiareview.wordpress.com/2026/01/23/pentimento-3/