WHEN THE STATE FAILS (an ancient tale)

When the building
is aflame
find some poor folks
to blame

If the poors
scream out loud
if the poors
get in a bad mood
take away their food

When the treasury
is depleted
the poors will find
they've been cheated

If the war
goes on too long
the powerful state
will commission a song
of POWER and FIRE
of BRAVERY and MIGHT
and they will
make the poors listen
day and night

Nero dances
Stalin prances
Hitler shines
in ballroom shoes
Queens and princes
Kings and kooks
every fluke
each mistake
find some poor soul
scapegoat
don't gloat
drink your brew
if you're poor
they're coming for you

The building is on fire
the barbarians are at the gate
the hate filled skies
forever lies
evil desire
and a wood chipper ready
preparing the way
every day
poor soul tossed away
and the state smiles
as the parasites run
and go start another one
just for fun
down the street

It's so neat
a NEWER BUILDING
for all to see
for all to pay
because one day
this building
will burn as well
and time will tell
a forever hell
the story is complete