Predictable, unpredictability

absolute power corrupts absolutely

Predictable, unpredictability

there are men that we fear

their only predictable trait,  

their preposterous unpredictability

we deride their crass absurdity

but we know not where and when

their poisoned arrows may pierce

 

we see them as clowns and jesters

fools and pompous charlatans

adorned in emperors clothes

but they reflect our own foolishness

we mock and deride their folly

but do we give naughty children guns?

 

there are others, more dangerous

they appear respectable, as world statesmen

but in truth, are common thieves,

their power pilfered by force and guile

mere actors strutting confidently on the world's stage

applauded fearfully, but fearing no-one

mock them at your extreme peril

these men are blandly predictable, but deadly

 

then, there are men and women of integrity

we know their names

they seek not power, fame or fortune

in corrupt corridors, their mortal fate is determined

by the men of bland but deadly predictability

Reviews

[Robert Haigh]

We are guilty of electing the wrong people into power, time after time. True, we can only vote for whoever is standing for election, but Joe Public has got to take some of the blame. I will always vote, because if we don't vote we have no real right to complain! But choosing who to vote for seems to be getting harder and harder. None of the main parties here in the UK appeal to me right now. But yes, I'll still vote!

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Robert. I agree with you, of course we should vote. Unfortunately there are many places where voting is not an option or just a sham.
All the best,
Alan

[Neville]

Unfortunately, there is so much truth in what you poem here Alan .. power does often go to the head and power crazed individuals are the most dangerous of all .. and it is evident in most if not all walks of life .. always has been and maybe always will .. Stay well and all the very best to you n yours :)

[Chris Shaw]

Without doubt power corrupts There is corruption everywhere. I am trying my damndest to think of a powerful man who has used that power for good. Somehow there is a shortage of names. On the other hand there is a list as long as my arm of the others who can be named easily. So much truth in what you say Alan. A well observed piece. Hope you and your family are OK. Has the new baby arrived yet?

Chris

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Chris. I feared this might be too obvious but I'm just worried that Trump might be too easy a target rather than focussing on the real 'masters of war' and not forgetting our own waning role in arms sales etc.
We are having a wee break for a few days on the beautiful island of Bute - why even think of Ryanair!
Regards,
Alan

[alanwgraham]

Forgot to say that baby Aiden is now three weeks now. Had a rather shaky start but seems fine now. Thanks.

[Chris Shaw]

Enjoy. Keeping away from air travel as well :))

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased baby is progressing well now Grandad. What a delight for your family :)

[Lorry]

Corruption takes many guises and seeing firsthand how a little power can corrupt, it is sadly true that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Have seen people getting promoted to supervisor that don't even deserve the power of being allowed to use the tv remote, so can understand what real power can do to some.
Some need to deflate those ego's before we end up with someone like that in charge.
No, wait... Uhm, too late. 😀
It's not the ones that shout the loudest we should listen to, but those with humility intact, the real people who swim amongst sharks every day and do so without fuss, knowing/ hoping that sanity will prevail.
I hope with them.

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Lorry for your thoughts. You are spot on about this issue of integrity and abuse of power that goes down to the minnows. Most of us have suffered! On a happier note we are off to Bute for a few days.
Hope all is well.
Alan

[alanwgraham]

Arrived in Bute
Girls cute
Forbidden fruit!

[Lorry]

Ha! Remember and smile the cute Bute salute 😀

[Beccy]

The predictable part is that they still only get an allotted six feet under when they finally get, (or not,) to meet their maker; the unpredictable bit, is the havoc they spread during their stay on this beautiful gift of a planet.

Why such an aberrant gene was ever programmed in at the start, will forever puzzle me.

Beccy.

[alanwgraham]

Very good point Beccy. Thanks for reading this predictable non-poem. Have you seen the film, 'The death of Stalin' These tyrants exert their power even after death. I watched the scene as his underlings sat round the table trying to decide what to do. I thought, this can't be true but it was. Last year we visited an old college friend of my wife related to the orange Donald. I can't wait for the movie! Kamala for president!
Cheers,
Alan

[...]

I forget who said this , if you want to know real nature of man , give him power and he will show you who really is. At my life i saw so many great people who change their cards around when their get their powers and control. Nothing too much change from ancient Greece and Rome untill now. When I read every day about evil people at lead. At my head is Jesus metaphor about statute head from the gold , body from silver and feet from a soil .

[alanwgraham]

Thanks for reading Martin. Your idea of how to learn the nature of a man is very profound. It is us that let these evil men prosper.
Take care,.Alan