I’m going to write a poem, deliberately lightweight and trite

I’ll work on it long and hard, late into the night

Each word will be carefully considered, an elaborate design

But the overall intention is to remain appositely anodyne

The purpose from the outset is never to offend

so that everyone who hears it will want to be my friend

I’m going to write a poem, not dangerous in any way

But warm and oh so cuddly, and arguably even fey

No one will hear a single word and say it can’t be said

And if they did I’d change it – find another one instead

it will not hurt a fly, it definitely won’t provoke

no challenge to the status quo, no sardonic joke

I’m going to write a poem, with no point however small 

Its pointlessness will be the point and that will say it all

And if others like to mock and say that it’s all far too bland

I’ll say thank you very much indeed and shake them by the hand

There will not be a challenge to anyone in control

That can only lead to trouble which is certainly not my goal

I’m going to write a poem, in fact this could be it

Devoid of any animosity devoid of any wit

But perfect for the times we live, with free speech under threat

And those who express opinions will fall into the net

So I’ll keep my head below the parapet, and not make any noise

Except to praise our leaders who deliver boundless joys

I’m going to write a poem, with no contentious subject matter

The voice will come from someone, who only seeks to flatter

No underlying message, all will be clearly stated

A manifesto from a man who has been rehabilitated

Who sees only altruism, from those who pull the strings

They have your interests at heart, so let them do their thing  

I’m going to write a poem, with all sorts of preconditions

But as I start to pen the words I feel a deep suspicion

That something won’t allow me to be so subservient

For it is embedded in my character to display some small dissent

There’ll have be a dig or two at those who are in command

Just a hint of contempt and censure, as they asset-strip our land

For we are ruled by multi-millionaires, who slyly operate

who fill their well-lined pockets while others stand and wait

They know nothing else but privilege, they’re to the manor born

So they change the laws to regulate the lives of those they scorn

Dismantling the welfare state, with callous disregard

and of course more union bashing, they like to play that card

I’m going to write a poem, but I feel the anger rising

I cannot be the only one to feel uncompromising

As yet I’m not inclined to let them have the earth

I’ve lived for too many decades to assume the role of serf

So if like me you’ve had enough, then stand up with the crowd

Shout out and wave your banners, BE RADICAL AND BE LOUD