Beneath the Gilding

The corrupt officer schemed throughout his years,
Amassing great wealth beyond his peers.
But once retired, his heart did stir,
He dreamed to be known as patriot and social worker.

The social worker preached to keep things clean
Yet dumped the trash where it should not be seen-
By roadside or river the rubbish he threw 
A bitter irony the people knew.

The patriots and reformers proud and tall,
As they liked to be addressed by all,
Encroached upon the public land,
Taking more than they had planned.

They speak out against corruption's blight,
Yet ask their children to thrive in its night.

The social activist, with care and knack,
Got government contracts through the backtrack,
Jobs for his kin, all neatly aligned,
Through hidden doors, deals well designed.

The society nods, though it may shove
The life one chooses to live and love,
Need not align with words they say,
Actions and truths may drift away.

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