Listen to Marvin Read The Way Things Are
It starts in the third grade when that bully,
Fear-weaponed, extorts the pocket pittance—
My lunch money—at recess. Thus, fully,
He dominates the yard; we glance askance.
Adult now, with sword-skill, he becomes King.
Commands his troops, establishes his realm.
But hist’ry favors smart, not brawn—offspring
Have not the sense to work this kingdom’s helm.
Technology, then high finance intrude—
New bullies dominate our lives. Not strong,
But wily, bespectacled, dressed in suits,
They run investment banks (but run them wrong!).
My lunch money, now, niftily extorted
By hedge fund leaches morally unthwarted.
(3/27/11)