(Saturday Writing Essential) Truth and Lies

Len’s challenge this week compare and contrast. Using prose or poetry, write something brief showing how two things are similar and how they are different. Do not favour either one - just compare and contrast the two items.

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I am used as a measure of human nature. I am white to my opposite’s black. I sit at the apex of philosophy, religion and science. I count among my friends such qualities as fidelity, consistency and sincerity. I am more celebrated than any celebrity: far more of you claim knowledge of me than actually know me. I am singular and at my core immutable, but how I am perceived changes according to circumstance. Civilisations have been built in the pursuit of me, and wars have been fought in defence of me. I am that to which you aspire.

I am the truth.

I am also a measure of human nature. I am black to my opposite’s white. I am excoriated by the virtuous and courted by the wicked. I count among my compatriots such qualities as deceit, mendacity and calumny. I am by my nature hidden: those of you who know me will never admit to it. I am legion. Despite all this, I am as necessary as the most virtuous of virtues. I am the grease on the cogs of civilised society. I am one of the first skills you learned, once you had learned to speak. I have promoted your causes and protected you from your failings.

I am lies.