a father’s advice
Practice lying while you look them in the eye.
Any simple lie will do. Take pleasure
as you read their faces, surprised
how easily so many are deceived.
Your gestures and your easy stance—
let these convey your false sincerity,
so that you are a valiant figure in the room,
eyes clear, voice given to tones of concern,
sympathy or disbelief, as the moment calls for,
each expression utterly true as it plays
across your face. It is only a game after all.
Be light on your feet in this delicate dance,
and the world will be yours, my son.
The trick is to hold under lock and key
the secret belief that it already is.
.
Al Fournier
.