…….Sonnet 58 – America 2014
………….(on the eve of elections)
America began when patriots
Rebelled against a power without care
Except for power to fill a pride that struts
Like roosters crow and think themselves quite fair.
Then, loosed from harsh restraints for gentle reins –
The greatest freedom that has graced this earth –
The citizens who use their backs and brains
Raised nation, selves, to heights from lowly birth.
And now, full circle, we have sadly come
As self, and lust for power drive the men
Who buy the votes of slackers sucking thumbs
With taxes from the working citizen.
Pols buy the pedestal to place their legs
And kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.
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*One of the causes of the fall of the Roman Empire was
heavy taxation, in part to support large numbers of people
who were dependent upon the state for hand-outs.
http://www.tribunesandtriumphs.org/roman-empire/causes-for-the-fall-of-the-roman-empire.htm
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© Dennis Lange and thebardonthehill.wordpress.com, 2014.
The Bard on the Hill 