Issue 6 2010 - TLS - Victoria University

Were I you
by Peter Lingard
Were I you young man,
I would live a life
not as mine began
when religious strife
and national pride
churned up the earth.
War on every side
created a dearth.
Polluted the air
and destroyed the land.
Poisoned waters fair,
catered to demand.
(Excused all for God,
despised odd mortals.
My life was a fraud
spurred on by baubles.)
Supported bent pols.
Lined the deep pockets
of both crooks and molls,
makers of rockets.
(Led a sordid life
with a mansion, two
and celebrity wife
who soon said adiéu.)
You must make a stand,
be the new trustees
Take care of the land,
mounts, rivers and trees.
Make peace through the world,
set every man free.
Leave all flags unfurled,
end adversity
Look out for the young,
protect them from harm,
no matter their tongue.
For them let’s disarm.
Make waters run pure,
clean up our beaches.
For disease find cure,
protect all species
Retire the soldier.
Let him till the soil,
be an achiever
using honest toil.
To combat terror,
be decent and true.
Rule without error
and peace will ensue
End plastic landfills,
ban chemical waste.
Stop deadly oil spills,
we are a disgrace.
Wean young from all drugs
and alcohol, too.
Encourage more hugs,
they’re long overdue.
Put an end to greed
and urge charity.
Do this with all speed
unabashedly.
Let love rule the day
in all decisions
and never betray
or make accusations
Look to the future,
learn from our mistakes.
Not all was failure,
it’s never too late.
Create rustic idylls
where copses and streams
and bright daffodils
all bathe in sunbeams.
And when the time comes
in the autumn years
to drop wise crumbs
on receptive ears
remember these words
and bring them to date
so listeners are stirred
to care for their fate.
Peter Lingard is a Professional
Writing and Editing student at VU.
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