An Open Heart

A friend once unintentionally uttered wise words as she tried to complain that there are those who feign agreement though their feelings and behaviour are far from the truth. "Hypocrisy is essential to civilized living!" She sighed.

Though she meant her words as a petty grumble, there's far more truth behind them than she intended. We often pretend to support work-related policies or methodologies though we resent them. At home, we'd pretend to agree with one a family member says to keep the peace, though we may feel the total opposite.

All of us are guilty of this to some degree. It's difficult to strike the balance between sincerity and keeping the peace. 

How do we maintain open hearts? Trying not to mince words is a first stop. Transparency is essential, as are kept promises and sincere apologies. 

Hypocrisy doesn't have to be so essential to civilized living. We can open the heart, albeit tactfully, gracefully and, when necessary, subtly.

Enjoy this sonnet. 

Pure, true heart, with door thrust wide, 

Beats with tremendous trial

With no falsehood, fear to hide

Has space of boundless miles

A pure heart, of truth and love

Gleaned with words not grated

Though be flavoured, no  soft glove

Taste be bitter, inundated

Pure true heart, with see-through door

Walls shine glassy, clear

Rugs of truth do line the floor

And carpets soft yet sheer

A pure heart, its door wide open

Love within, is well- spoken.