You've made a sensible decision,
joining these ranks of stomped-on stand-in's.
I'll be your Virgil and guide you through
the ropes too often learned at lashing.
Don't overlook the import of choosing
proper cause and duly sainted miens.
Be better judge of princely nature,
for when he does stray, it's you we'll hurt.
The world has no shortage of pricks, and
to keep the knife at bay, befriend him
you must, lest he misbehaves solely
for the pleasure of watching you writhe.
If it comes to that, all you'll have left
is to pray, he meets an untimely end,
and loads your back with shuffled-off cares
to scape back to the wilds whence you came.
It's Day 24 of NaPoWriMo and the prompt from ReadWritePoem is find a phrase, exploring the origins of a common saying. For my phrase, I chose Whipping Boy, which derives from the once-royal practice of keeping a boy at court to beat whenever their prince misbehaved.
4 comments:
Francis,
This is so well done. Rings so true.
Pamela
I love the way you've written this, Francis, particularly the last stanza, when all he'll have left to do is pray. Sad but fascinating.
The only way to escape politics is to become a recluse Francis.
St Francis of Assisi?
@Pamela Thanks... I think there's a bit of whipping boy in each of us.
@Derrick I think there's a metaphor buried in there, but I'm still not sure what it is... :).
@Rall I'm like Michael Corleone, just when I think I'm clear of it, they pull me back in ;). I don't think I'd make a good hermit. I have too sociable a nature. Though it would make me more productive.
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