> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.hawkword.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Comment Contest
- URL: https://www.hawkword.com/poetry/comment-contest/
- Published: 2023-10-03T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2023-10-03T12:00:00.000Z
- Description: I ask my friends: please tell it like it isn't. Those who pretend that telling like it is deserves some sort of prize - escape the prison of notional sincerity, and please,
- Author: A. Gee
- Tags: Poetry, Sonnet, Allpoetry Import, #Import 2026-04-25 19:56

I ask my friends: please tell it like it isn't.  
Those who pretend that telling like it is  
deserves some sort of prize - escape the prison  
of notional sincerity, and please,

lie through your teeth, go on and stroke my ego,  
assure me that I'm great beyond belief;  
remember we're simpatico, amigo,  
no need to be succinct, laconic, brief!

Remember, it is nothing if not karma  
and surely I'll reciprocate in kind.  
We'll wear each others' praise like shields, like armor,  
ignoring any criticisms we mind.

When asked: what do you do, say I'm a poet,  
and stick to it. They'll nod as if they know it.