When I was young, a maxim
To which we all adhered
Was that in our endeavors
The truth should be revered
Whether dark and hidden
Or plain for all to see
There was an understanding that
The truth would set you free
Today we curse the darkness
But fear to light a candle
For those in charge think that the truth
Is something we can’t handle
The media around us
Is full of falsehoods solely
For as the ancient saying goes
Truth puts its boots on slowly
They give each other grand awards
The tool of last resort
For hinting at the story that
They didn’t quite report
They had too much compassion
They showed too much respect
Nonpartisan reporting
Is just too much to expect
The most distressing lesson
That I have ever had–
Sometimes the truth is painful
It’s ugly and it’s sad
So those who want to change the world
Can’t keep the curtain closed
To make a new and better place
The truth must be exposed
That my friends in media
Is your most pressing duty
For only then an ugly truth
Can be a thing of beauty