Dignity

What is dignity without honesty? ~ Cicero

Pomp and splendor are bling and glitz
when the emperor struts proudly – but bare.
Learned speeches and eloquent locution
may draw applause and adoration,
lionization and emulation. But vocabulary
and articulation remain void vainglory
when truth and earnest passion
fall by the wayside, too modest and base
for the show.