ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

This was sparked by a real conversation I had with a Navy CPO so it is kind of like bloke talk and as such it's veracity must be true. but before anyone jumps down my throat I hasten to add that I speak with tongue firmly in cheek. No offence is intended to any persons whether living or not.

He told me two things that I will never forget - both of course true.

Truth one - All men are perfect and all men are liars (think about it it will come to you)
Truth two - Men never tell lies, they just don't always tell the truth

Being totally in luvst I took these on board as being worthy of remembering - just like him

LISTEN UP FELLOWS



Which lie is the truth you ask? The kind 'white lie' or black remark?
A lie is still a lie you say, you can't take it another way.
It is a sin to tell a lie – even though truth may make her cry.
You should be honest and precise to tell a lie just isn't nice.

So when she asks in tones quite shrill - “Does my bum look big in this?” will
you say to her in dulcet tones – “Oh no, it just shows off good bones.
Your rubenesque curvaceous sway – just purely takes my breath away
and my heart is filled with delight when you are in my arms at night.”

Or will you say – “Girl you look fat and God knows what you see in that.
It's far too tight and way to short, the worst thing you have ever bought,
and dressed in pink - you look to me like a giant pink strawberry,
though no epicurean delight 'cause frankly girl you look a fright.”

So which lie is the truth you ask? Well that depends – is it your task
to break a young girls fantasy with harsh doses of reality?
Or could you diplomatically say – “I liked what you wore yesterday
much more than what you have on now, it seemed to flatter you somehow.

It bought out the blueness of your eyes and made my heart respond with sighs.
You looked divine I have to say and really took my breath away.
The pink is nice I like it too – but Darl your colours really blue.”
And I can guarantee, this way the pink won't see the light of day.

And you have not yet told a lie – just not the truth, but I espy
a look of softness on her face, she folds you in loving embrace,
and joy and love are in the air – she will follow you anywhere.
For you are the epitome of tactfulness. Good way to be.



Maureen Clifford © 08/10

Henri Matisse, the famous French artist said " Exactitude is not truth "

Now I wonder what he meant by that ?

Maureen K Clifford wrote:Your rubenesque curvaceous sway – just purely takes my breath away

How do you know that is not a genuine observation ? Sounds good to me

G'day Maureen,

It is my general habit (when the need arises) to - not exactly tell lies but not quite tell the truth either. EG: If I am asked by a friend if something she has recently bought and obviously thinks is the 'bees knees' (as they used to say a long time ago)looks good on her I could reply in one of several ways:
"I love the colour , it suits your skin type or eyes etc.". or "It is really unusual "or "You can get away with it but I couldn't" or even "Well it's not something that I would have picked" . However wouldn't be able to say that I thought it made her look like a circus clown. or that he resembled a Boa constrictor after having eaten a sheep.

In the case that I am forced to say something unpleasant, I use the old two, one, one routine. That is I find two nice things to say first then the nasty one, then a nice one. That way you soften the blow.

You are a great diplomat Zondrae - I am taking on board your rule - it is a good one. Foot in mouth disease seems on occasion to run riot at my place, it is a family affliction.

My Dad had the most acerbic tongue - straight and to the point with no frills or furbelows and my son is his Grandpa to a tee. Mum always used to tell him and us that you catch more flies with sugar than vinegar which jells with me but with others - not so. But then Librans are balanced and known for diplomacy whereas Aries charge at everything full tilt.

My son often doesn't realize just how close he is cruisin' for a bruisin' with his Mum

Hey Maureen....do you give lessons? The price is of no concern....

(Loved your poem.)

Now. I really AM off to Tamworth....hi ho hi ho....
xx

It reminds me maureen of a little episode of the wife always asking the husband whether he liked her new outfit and getting no response even when the outfit was costly. So she tried a new approach and walked down the stairs in the raw and asked her husband what he thought of her new outfit. His reply was that they could have at least ironed it before selling it.

Exactly my point - and I bet that night wasn't his night either