One of my favorite poets, Dennis O’Brien, from Australia, just keeps writing limericks that shine a bright light on so much of what is going wrong in our world right now and how vital it is that we look the truth in the eye and start dealing with it. He’s a master of the social satire poem, and I don’t purpose to set myself up as his peer. However, his work has challenged me to use what poetic gift I have to at least say something from this side of the “pond,” so here’s my two cents’ worth to add a little more food for thought and a little more fuel to the fire.

WHAT WILL YOU DO IF . . . ?

I am tired of this guy, Mr. O.
I’m thinking he really should go.
But there’s some that believe
He has tricks up his sleeve,
And he has some surprises in store.

It’s conjectured he’ll stir up some strife,
And when hell’s broken loose, and hate’s rife,
Then he’ll cry, “Martial Law,”
And our freedoms, they’ll fall,
But he’ll claim it’s about saving life.

So the white house would remain his home,
Oval office desk chair still his throne,
‘Til the strife could be fixed
All elections he’d nix,
And a third term conveniently own.

Such conjectures: I pray they are lies.
Our forefathers would bitter tears cry
If they had to behold
As our arms we just fold
And allow blood-bought freedom to die.

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