3 Significant Poems about Lying

Poems about lying delve into themes of deception, truth, and the complexities of human relationships. They explore the motivations behind lies, the consequences of dishonesty, and the emotional turmoil that arises from betrayal. These poems often provoke reflection on trust, integrity, and the fragile nature of reality.

Poem Explorer Poetry Archives

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

Genre:

"> 81/100

Part IX: The Merchant’s Tale

by Geoffrey Chaucer

In Part IX, Damian and May enact their long-awaited plans to engage in adultery. Pluto ensures the two are discovered as he restores January’s sight.

May utilises the gift of persuasion, given to her by Proserpina. May uses this gift to lie to her husband, January, as she is able to convince him of anything. The effectiveness of this gift is proven as May is able to convince January to doubt even his own eyes and mind. Chaucer explores how this allows May to escape a situation where she has unquestionably sinned with no tangible consequences. She and January return to their normal life together, protected by May's own lies.

Now lat us turne agayn to Januarie,

That in the gardyn with his faire May

Syngeth ful murier than the papejay,

"Yow love I best, and shal, and oother noon."

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 76/100

The Things We Dare Not Tell

by Henry Lawson

‘The Things We Dare Not Tell’ explores humanity’s tendency to suffer alone and in silence, choosing to hide under a mask rather than open up.

Another notable topic brought up in the poem is the idea that self-deception is used to cope with or deny emotional suffering. In the line, "We live and share the living lie," Lawson's speaker voices the belief that people universally tend to wear a mask of happiness to appease social expectations. To lie is to protect the most vulnerable parts of one's self.

The fields are fair in autumn yet, and the sun's still shining there,

But we bow our heads and we brood and fret, because of the masks we wear;

Or we nod and smile the social while, and we say we're doing well,

But we break our hearts, oh, we break our hearts! for the things we must not tell.

PDF Guide

Sonnet 140

by William Shakespeare

‘Sonnet 140,’ also known as ‘Be wise as thou art cruel; do not press,’ contains the speaker’s threats towards the Dark Lady. He says he will expose her affairs and flirtatious behavior if she doesn’t change her ways.

Be wise as thou art cruel; do not press

My tongue-tied patience with too much disdain;

Lest sorrow lend me words, and words express

The manner of my pity-wanting pain.

Home » Collection » Poems about Lying

3 Significant Poems about Lying

General

Poetry+

Discover

Useful Links

3 Significant Poems about Lying

Part IX: The Merchant’s Tale

by Geoffrey Chaucer

The Things We Dare Not Tell

by Henry Lawson

Narrow Your Search

We Look Deep into Poetry

General

Poetry+

Discover

Useful Links