John Acton Poem by Nassy Fesharaki

John Acton

Trained me my parents,
To live with love, and care:
"Never live with corrupt,
Go against apartheid."

Devoted mind and heart,
To oppressed and exiled!

I was wrong and confess,
He is not who I guessed!

I thought he had value,
Just because of his book.

"Is worthy, " I said, thought,
Since he, too, was exiled!

Many were the corrupt,
In shadow of the shah!

Was wrong to think mullahs,
Are clean men of God…!

Knew not at that time:
Power rots and corrupts!

Am sorry,
I was wrong!

Then, he was powerless,
One of us, hurt, disturbed.

I agree that indeed,
Acton said correctly,
Of power corrupting.

Then he was a mullah,
Paying heed, attentive,
See leader, Ayatollah,
Doubtlessly is corrupt,
And thirsty for blood!