The Pig and the Horse

The Creatures had gathered at the usual place
    to hear what the candidates would say.
It was time to embrace who would make their best case
    and so be declared Boss for the day.

They shifted their feet and pawed at the ground
    as the excitement could be cut with a knife.
They were hanging around to hear them expound
    on who would make better their life.

The contest was close between a Pig and a Horse
    as others had dropped from the race.
Except a poor Duck who had run out of luck
    and vanished without leaving a trace.

This was a great pity as many would state
    since the Duck had been their first choice.
He had promised them straight to carry his weight
    and to give angry voters a voice.

The Creatures were tired of what had transpired
    when a Skunk had been elected to lead.
It was strongly desired that the Skunk should retire
    when he was charged with selling their feed.

So they bided their time to await the debate
    by deriding those not of their view.
On how their own State would suffer a fate
    should the other one win by a few.

Some liked the Pig who was clever and smart
    as it promised to quickly proceed
        with a plan from the heart and how it would start
            to fulfill all their wants and their needs.

Some liked the Horse who was majestic and brash
    and promised to live within means.
Not being too rash in spending their cash
    where everyone worked for their greens.

The candidates arrived and were soundly greeted
    by an ovation of cheers and applause.
The arguments less heated as the Creatures were seated
    and they stopped banging their hoofs and their paws.

The Pig would go first as the Horse had been late
    by a very strange turn of events.
He had been forced to wait when locked in a gate
    by someone with no common sense.

          'I'm a humble Pig and freely admit
              to the fault of caring too much.
          But I would be a good fit and I'm here to commit
              to govern with the lightest of touch.'

          'Some say you must work by the sweat of your brow
               to gather and hunt for the day.
           But I tell you right now... not even a Cow
               will be forced into pasture to graze.'

          'For the State will provide all that you need
               no matter what the future may toss.
           And you'll find that my breed is up to the deed
               to be elected to serve as your Boss.'

The audience cheered at the thought of such gain
    where work would no longer be done.
And to put away strain when all would attain
    a lifestyle to bask in the sun.

The Pig sat down as the Horse rose to its feet
    to challenge the Pig on its words.
It would not be discreet if it hoped to compete
    with all the silly things it had just heard.

          'I appeal to those who are of sound mind   
              and understand the value of strife.
          That our daily grind is far more aligned
              with how a Creature should live out their life.'

          'Nothing of value can be given by some
               where the cost will no longer be shared.
           A time will come when you have nothing but crumbs
               and the Pig will no longer care.'

          'You will have grown lazy and lost all your skill
               and given your freedoms away.
           So you vote in one hour and if you give the Pig power,
               you'll get more than a Boss for a day.'

The Creatures were quiet as they pondered the thought
    that the Horse had so strongly made.
And they carefully sought not to be caught
    by the ease that the Pig had conveyed.

The vote was taken and no Creature was stunned
    by a result that any fool could see.
The Horse was shunned as the Pig had won...
    so who doesn't love something for free?

                              The End


*For anyone interested, I will be posting my web cartoon, 'Bob's your Uncle' on my homepage every second day or so.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

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Laurie Avatar
May 19, 2019 at 7:46 PM
G'day David ... very enjoyable read David. Federal election here on Saturday and a very surprising result too - thanks David - Lindsay
Proxenos Avatar
May 16, 2019 at 8:11 AM
Great write re-interpreted very, very well penned. Loved this poem David - my type of poetry, in fact love all your poems! Hugs, Jennifer.
Kiser Avatar
May 3, 2019 at 1:57 PM
Reminiscent of a certain classic, "Animal Farm"; very clever work, David.
Mchattie Avatar
May 4, 2019 at 10:58 PM
It was my inspiration. One of the great works of literature. Have a great day.
Rose  Avatar
May 3, 2019 at 6:21 AM
I can see you have the story telling down pact, like my granny used to do when we were kids, darn sock and tell stories to us. Loved it xo
Mchattie Avatar
May 4, 2019 at 10:57 PM
Thanks Pixie Dust. I do love to spin a tale. Have a great day.
Dietrich Avatar
May 2, 2019 at 7:59 PM
haha, it reminds me of Animal Farm! Cool one!
Mchattie Avatar
May 2, 2019 at 11:08 PM
Yes. Orwell definitely set the stage for this one. Have a great day.
Lamoureux Avatar
May 2, 2019 at 8:35 AM
Ha ha, Make the Barn Yard Great Again. This was such fun to read.
Mchattie Avatar
May 2, 2019 at 11:06 PM
That is very clever. I love it. Glad you enjoyed it.
Cunningham Avatar
May 2, 2019 at 3:20 AM
Love your humour David, this is brilliant. Regards. Tom
Mchattie Avatar
May 2, 2019 at 11:06 PM
Thanks Tom. Appreciate the visit and the kind words. Have a good day.
Wolf Avatar
May 1, 2019 at 7:58 PM
This is incredible, David --- It takes off from 'Animal Farm,' but makes a hard turn directly into the vortex of the coming (2020) U.S. Presidential election. Shout this from the rooftops!! Can you possibly get this published? It's so good. A FAVE of course and then some. BRAVO, poet! Best wishes, Gershon
Mchattie Avatar
May 1, 2019 at 8:18 PM
I just wish people would understand that nothing in life is free. Have a great day my friend.
Pederson Avatar
April 30, 2019 at 8:07 PM
it's the McHattie story time!!! yea!!!
Mchattie Avatar
April 30, 2019 at 8:27 PM
I feel like Mr. Rogers. Have a great day my friend.
Warrior Avatar
April 30, 2019 at 6:44 PM
Hey! pass the popcorn...entertaining read my friend...lovely story David...happy endings...^WW^...{*J*}
Mchattie Avatar
April 30, 2019 at 6:48 PM
Thank you O Great Winged Warrior. Have a great day.
Connelly Avatar
April 30, 2019 at 12:11 AM
A mix of Animal Farm and George Harrison's Piggies. Not to read into much, what a wonderful read. The concluding point is suddenly direct to the point for all who chose to see.
Mchattie Avatar
April 30, 2019 at 1:41 PM
I tried to write an interesting poem for interesting times. Have a great day.
Buck Avatar
April 29, 2019 at 7:26 PM
David: I feel critters on both sides might understand the hazard but the pig will always win. Alas. Thanks for sharing some truth. Keep up the good work. And thanks again for sharing with all of us on the soup. oldbuck
Mchattie Avatar
April 29, 2019 at 8:12 PM
Thanks Old Buck. Happy to be here.
Wanter Avatar
April 29, 2019 at 6:47 PM
Priceless! It took talent to write this with its twists and turns and surprise ending. I thought surely common sense would win out - but then you have to be smart......LOL
Mchattie Avatar
April 29, 2019 at 8:11 PM
Common sense is in very short supply these days. Thanks my friend.
Allison Avatar
April 29, 2019 at 4:09 PM
such made me giggle David I love your witty way with words, you remind me very much of a poet who left the site a few years ago, your have a similar fun style:-) hugs Jan xx
Mchattie Avatar
April 29, 2019 at 6:38 PM
Thanks Jan. Always happy when I can make someone smile. Have a great day.
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