Excuses

“Where were you?”
I can think of millions of excuses
For that question
I use a different one every night

“I was at Karen’s house helping her with chemistry.”
“Oh, Mrs. Shubino across the street needed help.”
“Soccer practice ran a bit late.”
“Didn’t you know? Auntie Iona had a baby.”

Lying comes naturally to me
You can blame it on genetics
After all, you taught it to me
All those years of cheating out

It’s all in the eyes, you said
Keep them emotionless and empty
Facial expression must be there
And keep everything innocent

Stick to your story
Don’t keep changing it up
That’s a sure giveaway
Make sure it’s believable

Memories and snippets of the past
I remember so clear
You teaching me to confuse authority
A skill taken advantage of

So now I stare at you
Preparing to lie to your face
And listen to my voice
Tell you another one of my excuses