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Wednesday 16 March 2011

And then the Children Took Control...

I had a dream
that all the children of the world rose up
and let off steam
and marched upon the rulers of the world,
the so-called cream,
and told them plainly that the game was up:
a new regime,
one based on play - fair play - and chance - a chance
for all - and schemes
for world-wide happiness, were needed now.
Then on each green
a parliament would come together: "dib,
dib, dib," the team
would carol, "you're not 'it'," to choose the one
to be supreme
commander for the day. A session, though,
might end with screams...
"I've called you twice! I want you in for tea!"
(something not foreseen)
"And don't forget to wash your hands and face!
I want them clean!"
The kids were serious with a light touch.
None were extreme.
Some planned when they grew up to join the ranks
of Academe.
Some parliaments formed monarchies, creating
Kings and Queens.
The Kings and Queens gave banquets for their peers -
mostly of ice-cream.
Retirement age for leaders was set at
seventeen,
but most of them outgrew it and resigned
before thirteen.
The world became increasingly less fraught
and more serene;
folk laughed and joked with leaders where before
they'd vented spleen.
It was the daftest, most relaxed and comic
world yet seen,
and everywhere were people basking in
new self-esteem.
The kids abandoned armies, and their eyes
were all agleam
when fighting paintball battles in the mountains,
woods and streams.
They closed the gaols, sent baddies back to school,
feeding them baked beans,
and kids whose goals were anti-life had to
explore their themes
by making horror videos to watch
on the small screen.

12 comments:

Elisabeth said...

What a wonderful world you envisage here, Dave, and so timely. Thanks.

David Cranmer said...

"... and kids whose goals were anti-life had to
explore their themes
by making horror videos to watch
on the small screen." Very fine closing lines.

Helen said...

... perchance to dream, ay there's the rub.

Isabel Doyle said...

do I smell idealism here?
very nice poem

Louise said...

Fab, fab, fab! Hope you get a chance to read Roddy Doyle's story 'Brilliant', the link is on the blog. Great one Dave,loved it.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Oh would that it could happen, Dave - pigs might fly. AsBaron Acton so rightly said in 1900 - Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Crafty Green Poet said...

very entertaining to read and a great message!

Sailor said...

Beautiful poem with a message!

Cait O'Connor said...

Such inherent wisdom and humour too, would that we had that in our present rulers.

Short Poems said...

Very nice poem, enjoyed it :)

Unknown said...

It is difficult to think that children would lead the world in a worse way than "the powers that be" are doing now. We are so desperate for a more care free attitude in the world and we really do need to "stop venting a spleen". I keep hoping for new leadership when the next generation "comes of age". The happenings in the world this week cause me to wonder if we'll last that long. It is a good dream, Dave. Thank you for sharing.

Dave King said...

Elisabeth
If only... Thanks.

David
I just thought that was rather did-like. Thanks for picking upon it.

Helen
Aye!

Isabel
I rather think you do!

120 Socks
Thanks for that and the link. it was sort of my answer to William Golding.

Weaver of Grass
Mmm, I think the pigs might have more chance, as it happens - and William Golding proved right!

Crafty Green Poet
Thanks a lot. Good to hear.

Sailor
Much Thanks.

Cait
Maybe one day...

Short Poems
Thanks. That's what it's all about.

Linda
It's kinda like the arts, isn't it? If only we could keep the child-like bits as we acquire all the others!