by R. Zahniser
but he can torture you.
He can hold you under water till your face turns blue.
He can make you lick the bottom of his oxford shoe.
You cannot torture President Torture
but he can torture you.
You cannot listen to Torture's calls
but he listens to yours
and if he doesn't like them,
they'll be breaking down your doors.
Then it's torture this and torture that
till you confess and confess anew.
You cannot torture President Torture
but he can torture you.
You can't lock up President Torture
but he can lock up you
without charges or a trial
or a lawyer to talk to.
You'll be locked with thirty others
in a cell that's built for two.
You cannot torture President Torture
but he can torture you.
Report your friends,
police your thoughts,
say nothing that is strange.
Read normal things
on normal sites,
Be regular, don't change.
Support the war,
attend your church
(if it's one that is approved).
Smile and nod when people talk,
say, "Gee, things have improved."
Watch everything you say
and everything you do:
You don't want President Torture
coming after you.
You cannot torture President Torture
but he can torture you.
~
Copyright © 2006 - R. Zahniser
Published: 3/20/08 · Author's Page · Next Poem