On Deception and Burning Pants

“Liar, liar, pants on fire”
Was a taunt I often heard
From kids at school, and parents too
And even a parrot bird.*

So I thought I’d test the theory,
So I lied for 30 days.
Not once in that deceitful month
Did my pants catch in a blaze.

So I look now at the irony
Of a saying people try
To use to discourage dishonesty
Is, in itself, a lie.

Or maybe I’m overthinking again.

* This is a lie. I have never heard a parrot say “liar, liar, pants on fire.”