Tragic Seasons
by Michael Doyle

Suddenly, once upon a time,
We thought that we had learned
Those things of faith and trust
Could somehow be magically earned.

If only we learned to see
The other side differently.
Mostly, we wanted to believe
The best of the world we conceive.

But then we learned to look for signs,
To see the adversary for their designs.
We learned to believe in who was concealed,
And look for reality when the face was revealed.

We learn the languages of deception,
When we see each other as we truly are.
Each side's bargain brings its connection,
Bringing us closer from afar.

It matters little whether person or country.
We must believe what we are shown.
The words we speak are simple mythology
Meant to cover up truths never fully known.

When we search for answers in fairytales,
We learn that the truest versions come to consequence.
And though we might throw pennies down wishing wells,
What we find are lies and monster pay recompense.

Some secrets are to be kept inside,
Hidden behind a prideless veil.
It's not that it's a matter of pride,
But that each knows that it's just as well.

These are the clueless games we learn to play.
We keep harm's way at  arm's length,
While never putting all our cards on display.
Life is a negotiation made from a position of strength.

Time brings us to our deals with the Devil.
We tell ourselves these are for good reasons,
Until we find ourselves never quite on the level,
And that our reasons change with life's seasons.

There is a truth that only two souls can share.
It begins with a smile and ends in true care.
Whoever said that life isn't inevitably fair
Has never found themselves n love's snare.

(c) March 12, 2026    Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved