Leaders Of The Land Poem by RIC BASTASA

they make gimmicks of
all sorts
they like to play
mud slinging games
and they dirty their
faces and
expose their dirty linens
under the Philippine sun
the act like acrobats
on circus
displaying their skills
to amaze and get
Juan's devotion
the vote this
May ten,
they become instant
magicians
converting forest into
cities
rivers into bridges
stones into bread
news into money bills
others who remain unconvinced
they employ goons
and guns
and even kill for the
vote
oh, the leaders of my
land
they fool the people
all the time
i am tired
i am numb.