This is NOT a political poem!

[PrinceMyshkin]

I would talk to you about politicians
if it were permitted here but if
I talk about liars and cheats and child-
molesters, you will know who I mean.

Now I should confess from the outset
that I’m prejudiced
against liars and cheats and child-molesters,

I prefer people who tell the truth
even if it shows them in a bad light,
I prefer people who take
no more than their share
or 10& less. And as for children,
it is our job - and more than that,
our privilege - to love and protect them
at whatever cost.

[zoolane]

I would talk to you about politicians
if it were permitted here but if
I talk about liars and cheats and child-
molesters, you will know who I mean.

Now I should confess from the outset
that I’m prejudiced
against liars and cheats and child-molesters,

I prefer people who tell the truth
even if it shows them in a bad light,
I prefer people who take
no more than their share
or 10& less. And as for children,
it is our job - and more than that,
our privilege - to love and protect them
at whatever cost.


I do like this poem because it honest about way you see things. It has morals as well. :D

[hillwalker]

Much as I share your sentiments and the elegant way you get around writing about politics, this does tend to read more like a prose piece or a speech rather than poetry (not helped by the line-breaks that seem rather haphazard in verse 1).

H

[PrinceMyshkin]

Thanks, Zoolane, and:

Much as I share your sentiments and the elegant way you get around writing about politics, this does tend to read more like a prose piece or a speech rather than poetry (not helped by the line-breaks that seem rather haphazard in verse 1).

H

Yes, I do get carried away at times, thinking that I am the master of the telling line-break. I appreciate your candour.

[Delta40]

Do you mean take 10% or less? If only I did that with my food serving. This does sound preachy and the link between politicians, liars, cheats and molesters to honest folk is almost sarcastic.

[PrinceMyshkin]

Do you mean take 10% or less? If only I did that with my food serving. This does sound preachy and the link between politicians, liars, cheats and molesters to honest folk is almost sarcastic.

I meant they take 10% less than their rightful share. I inherited sarcasm from my father, but began to wean myself from it in the wake of the following incident:

When my first-born, Rafael, was about 5, we were having cherry pie for dessert, one of his favourites. He asked for a second helping and was given it; then he asked for another helping and I said:

“Why don’t you just take the rest of the pie, Rafael?"

And his face broke out in a broad happy smile as he reached for the pie!

Of course his mother and I allowed him to have it.

[Jerrybaldy]

In a non political shout quite unlike the house of commons. Here, here.