Better Not

I better not do, or
They might think.

I better not feel, or
They might react.

I better not say, or
They might feel.

I better not assert, or
They might retract.

I better not joke, or
They might assume.

I better not ask, or
They might refuse.

I better not dislike, or
They might dislike.

I better not look, or
They might confuse.

But, for whom is it better,
To cloak what is
In a ruse, a lie?

Who benefits,
When you don't do or say what is true?
You? Me? The dog?
Eh?

Are you interested in truth or pretence?
Freedom or repression?
Pie or a porcupine dressed as a pie?
What nonsense!

Shake off the fear and be free,
Not pointedly or with parade, but without care.
And in the face of another's disdain,
Instead of responding with concern and despair
Offer a hug
Or a buy them a pint,
Or give them a pound,
Or something else sound.

Break free of charade, only present in mind,
For being true is being kind.
Give, love, dance, rhyme,
Who gives a knob, just have a good time.