The Hangman - Or Democracy In Action
The hangman was a righteous man who took his duty gravely
The man condemned, with bended head moved hesitant yet bravely
Atop the stair they took their place to face the crowd there gawking
The hangman sternly cleared his throat and then commenced to talking
“The importance of democracy cannot be overstated
And every man must have his say this cannot be debated
We need the chance to make a choice in how our lives are guided
A vote that gives a measure how our future is decided”
“Here on my left I have a rope that’s short and will not tangle
The journey’s quick but at the end you’ll linger there and dangle
But on my right’s a rope that’s long, admittedly it’s rougher
The fall will last a little more, at least you will not suffer”
“So make your choice”, the hangman cried “I wait upon your pleasure.”
The hangman turned and crossed his arms in calm, contented leisure
The prisoner turned to the crowd a portrait of exhaustion
Cried out “What use to me, my friends, of such a hopeless option?”
“Democracy’s a sham!” he said and slowly shook his head
“It doesn’t matter which I choose, with either one … I’m dead.”
June 7, 2018
Copyright © Brian Densham | Year Posted 2018
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