2008 Woodie Awards
True Revelations, Or:
How I Discovered That Lies and Truths Are Two Sides of the Same Coin
Hayzeus Ron
Issue date: 11/7/05 Section: Life & Leisure
Unfortunately, this is reality, and in reality time is ticking and she is waiting for my answer. I imagine Destiny tapping her feet as my brain is tortured by my consciousness, being whipped and kicked by ideas. And when the time comes and society (which is the space) asks me "What's it gonna be, will you join us in deceit or will you choose the side of the weak and suffer in the agony of honesty."
"Well what's it gonna be?" her eyes tell me.
I banish all conflict from within my mind. I imagine myself on the brink of exiting a labyrinth after years of being helplessly lost; witnessing a life-changing decision right here in the moment as it happens as opposed to looking back at the decision and seeing all the other options after its already too late. For a moment, I think about all of the other missed opportunities in my life - of things that were and of things that could've been - and then I speak. What comes out of my mouth is the truth.
At first it comes out slowly with uncertainty, but the more I speak the more I am overwhelmed with pride. In choosing the truth I have broken chains that have bound me since youth. I chose the hard way out for once in my life, choosing to struggle rather then to avoid the reality of my circumstances. I feel like I have taken the final step of maturity. I realize how the truth was an essential step in my journey to manhood. My voice of uncertainty is replaced with a stoic tone that echoes my newfound belief in the power of the truth.
Her question is answered.
Of course the truth is exactly what she does not want to hear. The predicted drama ensues. It begins with a look of disappointment, which quickly fades into the image of rage. I stand my ground and take the full brunt of her opening smack. I barely flinch and stand literally red faced and listen to the spew insults. Through all this, my belief that I did the right thing is implacable. I only feel regret when the anger and violence is transformed into tears and angst. I never wanted to cause this pain, but the damage was done way before she asked her question, so I can lay no blame on telling the truth. Despite all of this, I don't apologize. I don't feel I should apologize for my honesty.
"Well what's it gonna be?" her eyes tell me.
I banish all conflict from within my mind. I imagine myself on the brink of exiting a labyrinth after years of being helplessly lost; witnessing a life-changing decision right here in the moment as it happens as opposed to looking back at the decision and seeing all the other options after its already too late. For a moment, I think about all of the other missed opportunities in my life - of things that were and of things that could've been - and then I speak. What comes out of my mouth is the truth.
At first it comes out slowly with uncertainty, but the more I speak the more I am overwhelmed with pride. In choosing the truth I have broken chains that have bound me since youth. I chose the hard way out for once in my life, choosing to struggle rather then to avoid the reality of my circumstances. I feel like I have taken the final step of maturity. I realize how the truth was an essential step in my journey to manhood. My voice of uncertainty is replaced with a stoic tone that echoes my newfound belief in the power of the truth.
Her question is answered.
Of course the truth is exactly what she does not want to hear. The predicted drama ensues. It begins with a look of disappointment, which quickly fades into the image of rage. I stand my ground and take the full brunt of her opening smack. I barely flinch and stand literally red faced and listen to the spew insults. Through all this, my belief that I did the right thing is implacable. I only feel regret when the anger and violence is transformed into tears and angst. I never wanted to cause this pain, but the damage was done way before she asked her question, so I can lay no blame on telling the truth. Despite all of this, I don't apologize. I don't feel I should apologize for my honesty.