DISCUSSION
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To lie… or simply not to lie?
This question makes us mad.
And having thought for little time
We say: “To lie is bad.”
It’s bad. OK. But let us see –
Though lie is mean and base,
We pull the mask of decency
On its unfair face.
Two friends are meeting in the street:
“It’s ages since we met!”
“Oh! How are you?”
“Not bad a bit.”
“I’m also fine. All’s great!”
But things are different in fact –
The one has lost his goods,
The other quarreled with dad
And is in dreadful moods.
In his two-storied house lives
A good man Mr. A.
To the whole family he gives
Instructions just this way:
“When I’m home at dinner time
And someone phones to me,
You say I’m out. Be so kind
To save my appetit.”
“I’m fine.”
“He’s well.”
“You look so nice!”
“Now busy. Phone next day.”
We very often use these lies
Without sense of shame.
Of course, such lies are etiquette,
Small points – cost no penny;
Although there is a proverb that
One trivial lie makes many.
By Helen Glotova,
North-Ossetian State University student
This poem has entered the discussion “To lie or not to lie, and how to lie?” (see
English No. 19, 24). We’re very glad that our regular contributor, Helen Glotova, was
the first to express her opinion in the form of poem. Don’t forget that we’re still
waiting for your opinions. Please send articles to: Москва, ул. Киевская,
24, “English” – “YES Club”. Or by e-mail: eng@1september.ru
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