DEALING WITH A MANIAC

He asked a loaded question.
She answered truthfully.
Terse and to the point.
It took a moment, but, then...

Enraged by her response,
he advanced with:
chin jutting,
eyes flashing rage,
teeth clenched and grinding.
fists balled and raised.

Not shocked, she stepped aside,
lest he be tempted to strike her.
Bellowing like a bull, his words were like knives.
Every thing she'd ever done wrong was aired.

She stood her ground and said nothing.
Her face showed dismay and sorrow,
not anger nor fear.
She remained calm and at ease.

He threatened,
he stormed about,
he smashed delicate things -
he couldn't handle the truth.

She knew that he'd lost her then.
She knew it was time to bid farewell.
She'd doing it quietly without rancor.
She was done with him and his ways.

She moved closer to him,
arms at her sides,
composed and serene,
She looked directly and intently
 into his wrathful eyes, and...

Her laser focus made a direct hit.
He fell backward, and to the floor.
Writhing and gasping,
his own fury caused his brain to explode.

The truth wasn't an awful thing.
That man would have preferred a comforting lie.
Because he didn't value integrity,
his days are done.

If it is what it is... face it.
Truth honours reality.



©Ellen Pepper 2026