The Plague

as the PROPHETS of profits, WE lead and WE’re fair
while WE’re living the life of the poor BILLIONAIRE
– silver yachts, pearly castles, cash (plenty to spare) –
with the world on OUR backs... ah! the burdens WE bear!

being HAVES (not the have-nots) as nature decrees
means WE’re certainly the better (they’re vermin on sleaze).
if they pray for a lift in their dark fantasies,
WE just kick ’em downstairs, get ’em off of their knees.

yes, WE offer great jobs (much too busy OURSELVES!)
for maintaining the toilets, restacking the shelves,
and WE teach ’em to fear god and play with the elves,
thus dispelling ideas where the dark demon delves.

though they build mighty bridges, twin towers and more,
peddle pizzas and popcorn, sell guns door-to-door,
still they gotta have BOSSES to tell ’em the score
else WE’d never be needed, WE’d thrive nevermore.

when OUR profits are plunging, they do their part too
for they dine on the dole! yes, no hullabaloo!
soon OUR fortunes  redouble, rebound and accrue –
since WE fare well without ’em, WE bid ’em adieu.

’stead of wishing for welfare and standing in queues
or parading with pickets (look! holes in their shoes!),
they’d be better off scabbing to save union dues.
while WE whistle and warble, they’re singing the blues.

whether heroes or hoboes, like spiders and lice
they just crawl all around us in life’s paradise,
but WE’re patient, big hearted and oft sacrifice,
spewing charity, kindness (though each has its price).

if they’re beaten or punctured or suffer assault,
are unhealthy or crippled or walk with a halt,
or retarded or helpless, it’s all their own fault – 
just like US they should worship the DOLLAR exalt’!

protesters and loud mouths, you’ll find ’em aplenty
some older, some younger, the worst not yet twenty.
they’re shameless and brazen (unwashed, soiled and scenty)
impugning the prestige of brave COGNOSCENTI.

if they’ve got clashing colors (or shades in between)
or opposing beliefs in the hidden unseen, 
well, WE’ll always exploit it, deflecting their spleen,
for with god on each side, would WE dare intervene?

WE maintain many methods to keep ’em in chains –
daily rags and the tube spin OUR circus campaigns:
“to pretend you’ve a voice”, an announcement explains,
“you can vote and decide on which ONE of US reigns”.

OUR policemen protect US, they stay on the ball
(they arrest ’em, no questions per law’s protocol,
and then jam ’em in jail with their backs to the wall) –
if you’ve lucre for lawyers there’s justice for all.

down the ROYAL road of justice WE march all alone 
– WE condemn their defiance, set ways to atone –
since WE’re sinless, unsullied, WE cast the first stone
(while WE cloak REGAL fetor with eau de cologne).

politicians, bald bankers, grand idols galore,
attend meetings, fete banquets in which they explore
how to rid US of rodents (the weak and the poor) –
well, just round up the riff-raff, dispatch ’em to war!

ah! OUR wars are, well, just...... just a thing of the past
........... and the present............... and future... WE sure make them last!
if they frown as they gaze (Armageddon!) aghast,
then WE smile back with pleasure, OUR treasures amassed.

useless ranting and raving (in rags, when they’re clad),
leads to losing their teeth (my! their gums are... egad!).
WE’re unselfish, indulgent, WE’d never be mad
if they drowned in the sounds of themselves feeling sad.

as the paupers are princes in midnight’s domain,
they have pipe dreams to lose, certainly nothing to gain
if they’re hoping OUR fortunes will wither and wane –
for “WE’re here by god’s will” as WE often explain.

yes, they wish to be US, with OUR wisdom and grace,
keeping up with ol’ CROESUS, maintaining the pace.   
but perverseness or rancor? they’ll see not a trace –
for WE hold ’em at bay with a fist in the face.

WE’re la CRÈME de la CRÈME, yes! the proud UPPER CRUST,
and OUR clothes are the finest, OUR hair never mussed –
WE imbue ’em with piety, duty and trust 
and they’re fed bread and water (if feed ’em WE must).

but they’re thieving, aggrieved, want a piece of OUR PIE
and request WE endure ’em, see EYE to black eye.
since they live in OUR land where OUR strict rules apply,
they must feast on the crumbs that We cast to the sty.

though OUR largesse and bounty WE don’t mean to flaunt,
yet the pittance WE pay ’em they surely can vaunt –
salty peanuts and pretzels (what more could they want?)
thereby keeping their kiddies so healthily gaunt.

yes, there’s room for the rabble (the back of the bus)
’cause WE treat ’em like equals, so what’s all the fuss?
all can rise to the top (yes! it’s always been thus),
to the suites in OUR penthouse (to sweep up and dust).

while OUR CHILDREN have tutors, the finest of schools
(being bred for the forefront, THEY’re nobody’s fools),
their own school of hard knocks teaches: “follow the rules”,
building brawn ’stead of brains and broad backs strong as mules’.

and to keep ’em in line (to ensure WE prevail)
WE now monitor phone calls and read all their mail
(civil rights? what a notion! at best a detail!)
and if worse comes to worst...... well...... guantanamo jail!

WE’ve OUR quandaries and questions and headaches full blown
(like deciding design and decor of OUR throne...
whether diamonds or rubies... to gemstones WE’re prone) .
when WE deign to appease ’em, WE chuck ’em a bone.

now you know all OUR problems, OUR pains and travails
– like preparing foreclosures, evictions  and sales –
but WE’ve no need for worries or gnawed fingernails,
’cause WE’re sailing OUR yachts through tempestuous gales
(with them bailing OUR banks when OUR stock market fails)
sipping daiquiri sours, champagnes, ginger ales.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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12
Maverick Avatar
June 3, 2023 at 2:28 PM
Hello Terry I enjoyed this long tirade you've Made' a truthful account, I have to say '
O'Leary Avatar
September 11, 2023 at 1:34 PM
Thanks for your interest and comment!
Kelley Avatar
March 8, 2014 at 6:45 PM
So much truth in this
Horne Avatar
February 27, 2014 at 2:11 PM
enjoyed reading this awesome piece again, Terry.
Williams Avatar
February 23, 2014 at 12:46 PM
Terry, yet again you amaze me with your brilliance....David
Walker  Avatar
February 7, 2014 at 6:10 PM
Depth... Great voice, tone, and flow... The length states your are a philosopher a poet... Dark Sunshine
Makama Avatar
January 24, 2014 at 4:07 PM
What a great poem. Its nice reading your piece once again. Keep on writing please.
Tsiluma Avatar
January 11, 2014 at 11:27 PM
Brilliantly done Terry! What else can I say - you've said it best. I love how you've highlighted the 'we' in this equation instead of focusing on 'them' - 'we' make the world and the rules, thus 'we' should own both successes and failures. Very well written!
Dietrich Avatar
December 25, 2013 at 1:08 AM
Yep, Terry, they have us by the cajones. When I see the statistics on how many citizens are living by comparison with this group it makes me want to vomit. You got it right,my friend. a great attack poem!!
A   Avatar
December 24, 2013 at 1:09 AM
Terry, Guess what? , The end of the year is approaching :) and there's no way I'm letting this year end, without dropping by with SMILES and CHRISTMAS CHEERS. Thank You for making this a great year for ALL OF US. --- May magic fill your days and all your dreams come true this holiday season. MERRY CHRISTAMS <3 Love Linda -The Sweetest Poet Destroyer
Deschler Avatar
December 22, 2013 at 8:18 PM
I love the raw honesty in this poem. I admire those who are not afraid to tell it like it is. Unfortunately, this is the truth, more often than not. Very well done, Terry!...Thank you so much for the kind comments.
Scott Avatar
December 20, 2013 at 12:51 PM
GREAT INSIGHT i AGREE WHAT i MENTIONED IN THE GREED POEM I THINK POLOTISIONS NEED TO WAKE UP THE VERY PEOPLE THEY TAKE FROM DOCTERS NURSES FARMERS PEOLE THEY NEED HOW MUCH MORE ARE THEY GOING TO TAKE FOR THGIS DEFLECT WERE LEFT PAYING THE DEBT THE MONEY GOES TO ALL THE WRONG PLACES LOVE YOUR WRITE THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMENT DAVIDSCOTT
Campi Avatar
December 20, 2013 at 11:27 AM
A very interesting poem. Take care and have festive holidays. Jancarl
Andresen Avatar
December 16, 2013 at 12:44 PM
- wooow ... woooow .... - Awesome write, Terry! - I wish you and everyone you love a enjoyable Christmas. - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
Uche O. Avatar
December 11, 2013 at 12:42 PM
Eminem sang Rap God, you should sing a poem God with this Poem. i love it so much... deep thought, clouded with allusions.
Guzzi Avatar
December 3, 2013 at 6:51 PM
Yike that a good one, I often wail at the topic you'd like my The Unkindness of Raven's ... good work! Light & Love
Sergi Avatar
December 1, 2013 at 7:44 AM
WOW what can I say but this is an OUTSTANDING work excellent poem
Loving Iii Avatar
November 14, 2013 at 1:14 PM
still triping on this masterpiece.
Mac Donald Avatar
November 12, 2013 at 2:08 PM
Ouf....swims with rancor and fury, Terry? Today I'd gotten a comment and this person had mentioned your name. I suppose another gift from the universe; your words and poetry touch the minds and souls of many. Are we the victuals that feed the paunche of Uncle Sam? This can be seen from different vantage points, Today I see it in a way that goes beyond the bellies of bureaucracy. Keep well, Terry! Mikki
Situation Avatar
November 11, 2013 at 4:05 PM
my new job has me working very very hard. it's very painfull to think that i have to work through another company to work for the company i work for. and that company only pays me part of the money that the real position is paying. thats what this poem is about. it almost drew a couple of tears to know that we are being abused this way by corporations. it's not right it's not right it's not right!
Matose Avatar
November 11, 2013 at 12:11 PM
This rhyme gave me a thorough kick. This is great. You're a great Poet my friend. I have read most of your poems from August when I joined the Family. You keep me inspired. Thanks. JM
May Avatar
November 10, 2013 at 2:05 PM
brilliant piece Terry.....filled with irony and humor.....so many great lines....thanks for stopping by
Horne Avatar
November 10, 2013 at 1:47 PM
enjoying this wonderful write again, Terry
Cavanaugh Avatar
November 9, 2013 at 5:20 PM
I see that I have already commented on this brilliant biting poem. And you also know I usually have no patience for long poems. Yours however are so well crafted, so wonderfully worded and rhymed that I am spell bound until I finish. I'm having a very difficult time finding a poem of yours that I have not read. If you see a poem of yours that I haven't commented on please send me a soup mail with the title and date it was posted. Thanks.
Loving Iii Avatar
November 8, 2013 at 12:41 PM
i knew terry had something good. but this is too good. i hate length but i wished this to go on and on and it did. may i say MASTERPIECE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you knocked my socks off. i almost had a tear at some of the truth that was rhymed and so well said...... JOHN HENRY LOVING III
Kearley Avatar
November 7, 2013 at 6:56 PM
Well...Well...Well... What a write! You covered it all. Excellent! I was wondering when you would grace us with your poetic splendor. So deep...
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