It is perhaps

A small thing

That first lie.

Those involved

Felt better;

Even if it only ourselves.

It made sense,

Or it brought peace

Or happiness.

Though

In order to keep

The first lie

We must create

A second,

Then a third.

Soon there is a structure

Even a monument

Built entirely of falsehoods.

A temple of untruth.

It takes all our will

To tear it down

And begin again.