A life of pretense
may be the only defense
against our greatest fears.
Truth lies undercover
lest we discover
we may not survive.
Committees and newsrooms hold tight
to the knowledge
which would allow us to acknowledge
the big spenders and pretenders
of climate and democracy,
the hidden autocracy.
Pretense is a fist clutched tight
by the side
ready to fight
once fear takes flight.
Do not be fooled.
Hang tight.
annarino writes 