Flawed By Deceptive Appearances Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

They are well disciplined.
They appear to be happy and healthy.
They are ambitious...
With wishes to enjoy life.
They are determined and respectful.
They have a graciousness,
That appears upon their collective faces.
The cities are clean and progressive.
The infrastructures of them all...
Far exceed expectations.

'Yeah...
But they are socialists.
Deprived of the joys of democratic rule.
Look around!
Who in their right mind,
Would not envy our quality of life?
At least...
That is what I've been told.
And how they live,
Is a 3rd world existence...
Flawed by deceptive appearances.
And it is clear their terrificness has been staged.
Who are they trying to impress?

WE have rehabilitation centers across the land.
With two million people sentenced,
To have their minds restored!
To reflect our great society.
THEY can not top that!
AND they get free cable and meals three times a day!
That's how great and humanitarian we are!
And...
They can NOT top 'that'!
And we, at least...
Can do as we please.
When and where we choose.
In a manner in which WE select!
AND...
Trying to top that,
Brings them much regret.
And I know that to be true...
Because that is what I have been told! '