Misery

MISERY. BY GEORGE GARDNER.

There are men on whose heads we see the stamp of misery. Among such are men who wear the cold and rigid armor of appear- ance. Who are they that freeze their own blood and smother their own life? They are "grafters." Those who go among friends to swindle. Those who deceive people who trusted them. Those who cheat people who have clothed and fed them. Such people wear a shield, and try to appear just. Evil thirsts for respect. To see this respect drying up is terrible to them; just as terrible as it is for those who are choking to see their water fail. The evil envy the innocent who are respected. They cannot be innocent, so they steal the garments of innocence; but find them ill-fitting and burdensome. They are in misery wearing them; but are afraid to take them off. They live a life of perpetual falsehood and suffer unknown torture. To think evil and speak good is indeed a burden. Such a life of contradiction is the fate of "grafters." They have to serve a good exterior, to be always presentable, while they foam in secret. They have to smile while grinding their teeth— such an armor smothers them, it is stifling. It is a place they long to leave, but dare not. To have to appear honest, while premeditating a wicked act; to brood over secret infamy seasoned with outward respect; to have continually to be telling falsehoods to make former state- ments seem true; to always deceive and never be one's self, is — misery.