Prophets

Truth tellers are not always palatable. There is a preference for candy bars.
Gwendylon Brooks

Prophets’ words seep from split lips,
scroll single file to form concentric
circles between shoulder blades,
targets upon their own backs.

Truth spewers and sooth sayers,
indignant, uncouth to the
etiquette of complacency,
concoct a cutting chronicle,
astringent and bitter on
taste bud tips.

Sugar, thought sweet,
feeds cancerous cells.