The Single Original Thought
They say “pride goes before a fall”
I say “I don’t agree.
Pride is what makes us excel,
our downfall’s vanity.”
They say “the truth will set you free”
I say “I must demure.
Whose truth are you speaking of?
I assume it must be yours.”
Clouds have silver linings and
it’s darkest before dawn
and early birds all get their worms
and ugly ducks are swans.
We’ve thrown up clichéd fences
of homily and adage
with lies for all occasions
to carry ‘round like baggage.
There are many memorable mottos
that would better be forgot.
For there are no glib pronouncements
worth a single original thought.
#96
Linda Studley 
Beautiful poem. Clichés keep us in a confined world in our lives and in our poetry. Although I use them from time to time, for some reason I feel I need to pardon myself when I do. I really like this poem.
Jackie
Thanks Jackie, I know what you mean, finding fresh imagery is sometimes like driving down a rutted road and trying not to fall into those easy ruts of cliches!