In Suppression of Treason

If one chooses to enter the political realm
[To serve his or her country in high office]
Inevitably, they will be accused of misconduct
Of one sort or another during their tenure
Julia Gillard, ex-Prime Minister of Australia,
The first and only female in Australia’s history
Is no exception.

From 2010-2013, she performed her duties, but
Was deposed by her predecessor, who claimed
Rightly that she was ambivalent, that she
Sordidly vacillated in her actions and decisions
And such claims by one’s political allies and opponents
Are rather common when a position of authority
Is coveted.

No evidence exists, however, that she was a traitor!
Treason (to be a traitor) requires attacking the state
Authority “to whom one owes” [complete] “allegiance
With the intent of overthrowing the government.”
Almost ten years have passed since she left office,
And it would behoove the Australian powers that be
To move on.

written March 28, 2022
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Krutsinger Avatar
March 29, 2022 at 8:51 AM
I agree " it would behoove the Australian powers that be To move on." treason is when a president encourages an insurrection.
Hankins Avatar
March 29, 2022 at 9:06 AM
You've got that right, Caren. I'm amazed at how many people failed to realize that...and how close we came to losing our precious democracy!
Buhagiar Avatar
March 28, 2022 at 11:49 AM
A very clever poem. Sometimes the innocent get hooked, or maybe not innocent truly Who can say.
Hankins Avatar
March 28, 2022 at 1:03 PM
Good point, Victor. The important consideration lies in the precise meaning of "treason," and how it can and should be applied to those in political leaderhip.
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