Ultimate Truth

Today, a horrible revelation settled over me,
a truth so ugly I almost wish I could unsee it—
almost wish I could slip back into ignorance,
a softer place, where the weight of knowing
didn’t feel like a stone tied to my chest.
But here I am, and there’s no going back.

For years, I lived by truths I thought mattered,
crafted a code, stumbled, got up, stumbled again—
never perfect, but honest in my intent.
I thought if I held up my end, others might, too,
might meet me halfway, might recognize kindness
and pass it along like a torch in the dark.

But today, I see the futility,
the cruel reality that makes every effort a hollow echo.
I poured hope into people, a slow drip of belief,
only to be met with clenched fists, closed hearts,
souls wrapped tight in egos and self-loathing.

I used to think people were inherently good,
caught in the web of greed and hate by society's hand.
I wanted to be the one to untangle them,
to remind them of the good that must still burn inside.
But now I see—the chains are self-imposed,
each link forged from a choice to sink into the muck.
They are architects of their own hollow cages,
builders of their own graves, self-made and self-imposed.

And so I am left here, one truth staring me down,
invalidating every belief I held dear:
the world does not want saving,
the people do not want healing.
The truth is a bitter pill,
and I am tired of swallowing lies.