It’s funny how much so many of us exaggerate when we tell a story or anecdote. I have often wondered why it is we have to make the event so much grander, or dramatic or tragic. Don’t we have enough drama in our lives? Is our existence so insignificant that we must grasp at every opportunity to inject significance?
It’s often been said, “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” What’s the harm in a little exaggeration anyway? Probably not a lot. Provided others don’t pin their hopes on what you are saying as gospel.
Anyway, I wrote a whimsical look at exaggeration. Here it is:
Exaggeration
How often a tale grows in the telling
we grow so adept at spelling
out the detail of each lie.
“Cross my heart and hope to die.”
Why can’t we simply say what’s what
instead add extras to the pot?
It seems to me the truth’s not worth
the trouble telling for the dearth
of dream and drama in our lives
persuades us to reside in lies.
At least in telling fancy free
no man is judged, not you, not me,
an innocent exaggeration
is no cause for consternation.
Live Well
Ollie Lind
