The Straw Man

I once knew a straw man, I saw where he stood,
A figure distorted, created to be misunderstood.
His features– exaggerated, his mind–oversimplified,
Intellectual dishonesty, a cloak that under, he hides.

He dealt me a legacy of fallacies, a tangled line.
I once knew a straw man, a creation not mine.
The constructor, a puppeteer of crafty deceit,
Wove him his clothes of truthless lies, discrete.

No engagement with substance, a façade so thin,
You defeated the straw man but you didn’t win.
In the shadow of deceit, false narratives were spun,
You were the straw man’s creator. You were the one.

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About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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