Language --> "Lies" by Martha Collins

"Lies" can be found on page 925 of the Norton.

In the first five lines of this poem, Collins plays with the word "lie". She uses the meaning as a fib or as a sexual encounter. The question "is it a lie for her to say she laid him" shows the confusion behind affairs. If there is so much confusion and questioning, then why have an affair? Furthermore, the question "if we don't know, do we lie if we say?" imposes a moral dilemna on the reader. Containing information can be considered "lying" but extending the truth could be as well. The last sentence, "if we must lie, let's not lie around" voices Collins' true feelings towards lyring. She is saying that lying takes a lot of effort and can get both parties in trouble, so it is easier to tell the truth. She is also saying that if you are going to lie, you better think of a good story because the secrets will eventually get out.