Light

Tough he looks, or tries to look, with scowls

and downcast eyes and penetrating glare

directed right into the camera's eye

as though to say, "I'm badass. You are scum."

•

And morons by the millions eat it up.

Why not? They cut their teeth in politics

chewing what a B-grade actor threw

in front of them, pretending to be tough.

•

Begin with coarseness and your coarseness coarsens

until you find yourself and all your tribe

wildly cheering a Z-grade actor's schtick.

Gravity is the essence of imposture.

•

The world would wear a shining face

if your youth had run

with lighter men who spoke their mind

without play-acting tough.

•

An actor is a liar who

can lie convincingly,

so much so that he makes himself

believe the lies he tells.

•

A true man is the opposite,

is light and truth and care.

He does not need to play-act tough

Because he has no fear.

•

The world would wear a brilliant face

if all could be like him,

But that requires the toughest task:

to conquer fear of death.