"If ya can't say nothin' nice..."

I say what I mean, sometimes
when my failing love fails,
I spit out the grammar of hate
and tear down.

I say what I mean, sometimes
when, surprised, I find myself as I ought
I stutter out the truth
and build up.

But, mostly, I say nothing I mean
when I hide behind a blanket of courtesy
I smile out those cordial lies
and deceive.