The King Asks For Your Vote

by Franco Bertucci

Perhaps it's not democracy's fault
that there is no one I would follow.
No one I would pledge fealty to
or cheer for in the streets.

Maybe I'm lucky we have done away
with tyrannical kings.
And also with good ones.
I am sure there were both kinds.

But now there seems to be
only one kind of politician,
and no more princes or princesses.

I would love to shout:
"Long live the king!"
I would.

"Long live the president!"
(our duly elected leader)
doesn't have the same ring.

Awkward Guy

Poems and other embarassing things. 2010 Franco Bertucci