$200 million gone

form: poem
completed: 30 January 2006
notes: bitter liberalism inspired by the rationing of AIDS funds in Africa

You’re such a Daddy’s boy.
You speak in tongues--or think you do--
And everyone bows down to you.
But somehow I still know what’s true:
You’re just a Daddy’s boy.

You’re such a Daddy’s boy.
You start up battles we thought were through
And whine when someone’s mean to you.
You do just what you’re told to do
Just like a Daddy’s boy.

You’re such a Daddy’s boy,
Nothing can get through to you.
Not children dying two by tow
When there are things that you could do.
You selfish Daddy’s boy.

You’re such a Daddy’s boy.
Ribbons hang us: red and blue
And yellow for the boys you slew;
But you don’t see them, never do.
A stupid Daddy’s boy.

You’re such a Daddy’s boy:
And Jesus sure did die for you.
You do just what you’re told to do.
An arrogant and yellow shrew,
You goddamn Daddy’s boy.

You’re such a Daddy’s boy;
I’ll bet your daddy’s proud of you.
‘Cause you never listen to someone new
And you never know what’s false or true.
You hang out with a motley crew
Who yell and lie and laugh for you.
You piss on everything that’s blue
And forget that others matter too.
But someday you’ll know what we knew:
You’re just a Daddy’s boy.