The rich versus the people

by Ira Lightman

Some rich think they cleverly
simmer us sleepy -

cos we'd jump if it got too hot.
The leaders their media got

us try to sell off the NHS.
Mouthpiece and paymaster don't realise

we the oppressed are
brighter than we were;

more schooled, as the norm.
Our grandmas, our grandpas, began the reforms,

and we will get it all back -
at twice what in tax

the short-termists
think they've abolished.

Their militia
never

hold us back long. The people
surge; will.

Caravaggio, The taking of Christ, 1602

Turn the other cheek

by Ira Lightman

Jesus was not least
telling the powerful
receiving be merciful
to the slappers oppressed.

Watch the older brother
take the attack
and not hit "back"
the squeaking impatient younger.