I'm the only anarchist in the village.
ADVICE TO ZEBRAS
A zebra, who was too self-willed
Was quite egregiously killed
By Josie, on the children's board
A death quite cruel and untoward.
To disobey the Rules, his leaning
(Or to misunderstand their meaning).
His father, hell-bent to correct
Had never really earned respect
If he gave Zebe the love he needed
Perhaps his voice would have been heeded.
There’s common sense, and there are Rules
And some who make them are but fools
To kids like Zebe, here’s my advice
When you’re faced with rules, think twice.
Consider those, who being “wise”
Legislate, extemporise
Seek to constrain us and restrict
Forbid our freedom, interdict.
Be a Muslim kid at large
They'll hold you months, without a charge.
Eat an apple in your motor
An ASBO will then be your quota.
The lid won’t close upon your bin?
You will be punished for your sin.
Who are these fascists who pretend
These rules are for a useful end?
They’re getting off on power plays
It helps to pass their petty days.
Rules for the sake of them are crazy
But we allow it, as we're lazy.
Fight for your freedoms – never swerve
Stand by your ethics, keep your nerve.
The Magna Carta, still preserve!
The Rules we get, we shall deserve.
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Written by Phil (6435 comments posted) 17th May 2008 |
It does make you wonder just where we're going to end up in another ten years or so. And it's not just the state that propagates outrageous rules. The PC brigade - ironically, liberal by nature - limit the scope of thought and deed to a ridiculous extent. I'm all for respect, but not on the terms dictated by the underworked few to the overworked many.
Enjoyed this, Veronica. I wonder what a subversive zebra would actually do. Sadly, the law of the jungle (or African savannah) leaves little room for an anarchistic walking lunch to stick two hooves up at a pride of lions.
Sorry, not said much about the poem itself. Perhaps not at your poetical best (though far better than I could achieve) but it poses an important question.
Phil |
Written by Josie (2533 comments posted) 17th May 2008 |
| This is a very well constructed poem Veronica and flows along with excellent metre (which I think makes a poem). To the content: I am afraid that the only Zebras left on the plains ARE the ones who listen to Dad and Mum. ha ha. It has to be that way. I see this sort of thing from my window every day (but not zebras of course). The ducks on the lake have their young. The magpies and jays etc are in trees all round the lake. The babies who do not come to mother quickly when there is a warning - well, I am afraid they disappear very quickly. I have to tell you that some of the ducks murder baby ducks too - there is a lot of jealousy. The world of nature is in black and white (like the zebra stripes). Listen and obey or die at your peril. There was a time in this country when we had to do what our parents told us - but that was in the olden days. ha ha. |
Written by Brett (527 comments posted) 17th May 2008 |
I found this to be very witty, entertaining, and thought provoking. Like the metre very much. Loved 'egregiously killed.'
The content - sound advice I would say. I have just received a flyer promulgating dog wardens in unmarked cars to fine dog owners, like myself, for not clearing up their dog's mess even in grass verges - whilst horse riders (who pay no road tax) are allowed to leave turds of Biblical proportions that are dangers to motorists.
Fantastic final stanza.
A fig for 'em, I say.
Cheers |
Written by mia_ms_kim (915 comments posted) 17th May 2008 |
A very enjoyable poem! By the end I could almost see you waving your banners, thumping the pulpit, and singing your anarchist anthemn upon a soapbox!
But seeing the youths going out of control today, I would prefer if all the Zebes out there would listen to their parents, teachers, and authority figures more.
However some lawmakers should be thumped on the head. Some laws are there just to make our lives miserable, and to increase their revenue. Some parking rules, most stamp duty taxes etc are just legalised robbery in my opinion.
Mia  |
Written by Emmuttmax (117 comments posted) 17th May 2008 |
Is it the zebra that is said to be a horse designed by a committee?
Loved the poem. |
Anarchist V Anarchist!
Written by Katanga (802 comments posted) 17th May 2008 |
Not much to add - I can feel venom in this, though I won't go into it. Every line is good, so I won't pick out favourites.
If you're the 'only anarchist in the vllage', why not move to London, or Manchester (terrible rioting recently - football rubbish). There's plenty of anarchists in inner cities . . .
Ho! I'd prefer to be alone with my thoughts in a village, I think.
Hmmmmm. I ponder . . .
Love the poem anyway!
I also love Brett's 'turds of Biblical proportions'.
I weep once more!
Cheers!
John
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Written by shirley_keeldar (67 comments posted) 18th May 2008 |
My favourite lines here are "There's common sense, and there are Rules/ And some who make them are but fools" because I think if you always use common sense you'll always be ok! I think this is the key image in your poem, and we should only have to follow the rules that make sense; however one person's sense could be someone else's madness and that could end in anarchy, aaaggghh!
I too liked Brett's "turd of Biblical proportions"! My preferred term for them is "road apples"...
L x
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