Denis Bruce Poet Rhyme

In Defence of the Realm

Born into a privileged position
The Gracchi and Kennedys were on a mission
A violent end was to be their common fate
With vested interests full of rage and hate
Their new programmes threatened the status quo
And prompted the dealing of the killer blow
Centuries apart, they both wanted reform
Championing the poor brought to  them great harm

If the Gracchi's progressive plans were to win the day
The senate felt its power would pass away
Land reform and franchise extension the ruling class could not tolerate
They feared the concilium plebis would carry too much weight
Allowing tribuni plebis to gain too much power
Crucial steps were needed by the senate at this critical hour
Violent deaths turned out to be the Gracchi's lot
The people lost what they had sought

History is oft claimed to be repetitive
The Kennedys' careers were closely imitative

A crackdown on crime and improving civil rights
Panicked those who opposed such fights
Where the Kennedys heralded an era of hope
Those under threat from  this programme could not cope
Their death warrants were signed for what they stood
 Both were gunned down vengefully  in cold blood

In each instance when their hopes died
Politics rode roughshod over the people's pride
A brighter future for those in need of care
Was ended by vested interests' callous warfare

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