POETRY: CRITIQUE OF POWER

The Dissection of Hubris

A slow steady hand

The first cut superficial

Reflects the initial layer of arrogance

The next exposes and displays presumption

A further incision traces and separates disdain

Probing deeper highlights ostentation

Another subtle stroke identifies the necrosis of conceit

At osseous level, the extent of the affliction of pomposity is revealed

It may be too late to save the patient

The lesson never seems to be learned

History lies exhausted from retelling the same story

The surgeon reluctantly gives way to the mortician

Praesis ut prosis ne ut imperes

(Lead in order to serve, not rule)

Taking Your Own Medicine

Step up in a marvelous manner

Speak as you need to do

Be kind, be true but hear what you are saying to others

Offer to yourself your wisdom and experience

Test your own pontification

If it's good enough for others

In short, take your own advice and act on it

Advise the adviser

Hypocrisy sucks

So do the decent thing

The only real measure of integrity

Proud Fool sits on top of the pile

Unaware of the obvious subluxation

The mass built on partial truths and blown smoke

A temporary structure by any measure

But Proud Fool doesn't see it

Pockets are stuffed with bias

The head full of imagined importance

Surety of class and position

Tongue spinning linguistic traps

Cozen purposing for power

Stepping on necks

The grubby mantra

Poor Proud Fool

The makeshift can never sustain

Entropy quickened by hubris

Back at sea level sipping from the cup of ridicule

History predicted

Karma delivered.