Lead-a-Sheep, A Poem by Andre Izaaks

Cartoon by: Volkmann & Hill

Lead-a-Sheep

Andre Izaaks

The comrade-in-chief declared that money woes are over

Said things are on the mend.

E'en though the peasants are struggling in an abyss

Neck-deep

Holding out and hoping for lead-a-sheep.

The minister trumpeted 'free learning for the youth'!

Said the ministry doesn't need parents' fees.

But education doesn't come cheap

And as lay-offs become the new disease

The learned and learning cry out for lead-a-sheep.

The authorities decreed an increase

Said a thousand-and-a-half to catch fish.

Anglers say the hike is too steep

They only want to reel in a dish

You'd have to sail the seven seas for lead-a-sheep.

Fauna and flora are decimated

As the nation turns a blind eye

Poachers do not sow what they reap

Soon, there won't be a bird in the sky...

But the mute turn their gaze toward lead-a-sheep.

Career thugs, caught assaulting tourists,

Are promptly dragged to jail

Pardon Lady Justice as she breaks down to weep

When repeat offenders promptly make bail...

And, where is the damning verdict?

From lead-a-sheep?

Will the sheeple ever look up from their screens?

From voting for beauty queens? From twittering on their phones?

Will they unfollow their comrade-in-chief

Or, will the wolves pick later at the bare bones?

When leadership is in short supply, the real thief is

Lead-a-sheep.

This poem is published on Book Buddy's blog with the permission and approval of the author, Andre Izaaks, resident of Mariental, Hardap Region, southern Namibia, the owner of all rights to this work. This poem may not be reproduced nor printed in full or part without the written permission of the author, or without acknowledgement. For particulars, please mail bookbuddynamibia@gmail.com.

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