In Defense Of Washington’s Public Stews Poem by Sidi Mahtrow

In Defense of Washington’s Public Stews

The “houses” are there for all to see
Pillars of justice, they be
For the fathers knew that there would come a time
When man’s passions would become sublime

A time when men quested for reliefs
From the world’s victories and defeats
Where one could find solace
Without the danger of losing face.

So it is that it came to be
That Mandeville’s thesis
Gave rise to Public Stews
In the capital city of Potomac views.

Here men (and women too) found
Their indulgences could be profound
And rewarded them most handsomely
By satisfying their appetites for quest and victory.

From time to time there comes
An innocent who offers rare plums
Free for the taking if none object,
(And who could resist the temptation of plundering and sex.)

For every four or eight years as the record goes
A virgin one appears at the doors
And is sacrificed on the alter
As the heart is ripped out of him (or her) .

The neophyte thinking that he
Controls all that he can see
Soon to discover that the houses are there
To be used but never showing signs of wear.

Soon a bastard child is produced that none claim
For it is the product of passions blazing flame
The product of a moment of interludes
Where justice never intrudes.

Perhaps the procreator of this unfortunate one
Thinks that he has done much to right what’s wrong
But naive is he
For the fates are aligned most certainly.

What to do with this unfortunate birth
That has no place on this planet, earth
Death is what is often prescribed
But that is too kind for this wanton child.

No it must be reared and brought to maturity
For its future affects all as they seek security
How to manage the cost of this one who
Will bankrupt the people, such as you.

Charge the people for the crime
Take from them that so often whine
The wealthy can afford to support
This one, the product of our licentious sport.

Give to the poor or others more deserving
(But tax them all, never the less) , a decent serving.
For once the horse is out the door
It’s time to look further for some more.

The now not so innocent will exclaim
The fault lies other where, “they’re to blame.”
Give me more time to right what’s wrong
And all will sing my praises as we go along.

The whores of the houses are soon made happy
For they get their daily food and nappy
Only serving those that can pay
For a romp in the legislative hay.

Not much changes with the season
For man is short of memory and of reason
And the smooth shaven one will appear
To shrink away, have no fear.

To be replaced by another that’s for sure
Maybe one not so innocent, but more secure
In understanding the ways of Washington town
A place where one discovers what’s under the flowing gown.

Protecting against gleet and other emissions
That arise from legislative actions
Is not the object of this public stew
For they all only want what’s due.

To continue as they have before
Acting as a public whore
Serving for a price that must be paid
Shades, of Marquis de Sade.