It just keeps getting verse

Father and Son

By Rick Horowitz

Said 41 to 43,
"I take enormous pride in thee,
To watch the boy become the man
Like no one since the Adams clan --
It sets a father's heart to racing,
Words beyond my poor embracing.
Still, let me at this happy hour
Urge caution in your use of power,
The other path brings misery,"
Said 41 to 43.

Said 43 to 41,
"I'll always be your loving son,
With joy abundant in your deeds --
But I am moved by stronger needs.
My armies dressed in heroes' khaki,
My mind transfixed by one Iraqi.
And so, while I appreciate
Your trepidation for my fate,
I've got a job, I'll get it done,"
Said 43 to 41.

Said 41 to 43,
"I'd hoped for certain modesty
In tone and tenor, style and stance,
This isn't like a frat-house dance.
Before Saddam you try to topple,
Consider all those nights of Koppel
Judging ev'ry move you make,
Just waiting for your next mistake.
What happens once you set them free?"
Said 41 to 43.

Said 43 to 41,
"You never let me have my fun!
You Nervous Nellies make me sick,
I take my cues from Don and Dick,
The time has come to show my mettle
And fam'ly scores at last to settle,
I know what tanks and planes are for,
Enough of talk -- it's time for war!
You're diplomatic, call me 'un-'"
Said 43 to 41.

Said 41 to 43,
"I'll silence, but concerned I'll be,
I wish you'd spent more time at books --
It's not as simple as it looks,
Impressive as your strength unfurled is,
More confusing all the world is,
What augurs brief can linger long,
And sweet beginnings still go wrong.
The future clings to mystery,"
Said 41 to 43.

Said 43 to 41,
"Too soon they've called me raging Hun,
My soldiers' blows have brought no peace
But death's, and rage without surcease,
My best intentions gone a-flutter,
And ridicule at all I utter,
Now photographs to make things worse,
The world inflamed (A family curse?) --
But stay the course until we've won!"
Said 43 to 41.

Said 41 to 43,
"My heart goes sadly out to thee,
While pain that likewise fills my soul
Can't deeds undo or shards make whole,
I pray you find a course that's faster
Home, or else you court disaster.
A father's words are often scorned
By sons who would be better warned,
I say all this, and one thing more:
You've blown our chance at 44!"

Posted 5/13/04. When the news has no rhyme or reason, click to "Rick's" for award-winning commentary!

Rick Horowitz is a syndicated columnist, TV commentator, writing coach and public speaker

Search the Web Search Rick's!