The Real Snake Poem by Jim Yerman

Our our way to an election one year
Down the path along side the lake
A country fed up with politics saw ahead of them…a snake
He came with a different outlook…he had a different view
He said if you vote for me in this election…"I'll take care of you."
Take me in oh voting public
Take me in for heaven's sake
Take me in oh voting public, sighed the snake.

Almost half the country listened to his lies…as sleek as silk
And his prejudices flowed upon them…as smooth as buttermilk.
They hurried to the voting booths to get this man elected
Aware what they were doing…that it was a snake they had selected.
Take me in oh voting public
Take me in for heaven's sake
Take me in oh voting public, sighed the snake.

They clutched him to their bosoms, "You're what we need." They cried
We know you were telling us the truth…we know you wouldn't have lied.
They were happy with the choice they made…they felt the future was looking bright
Until the snake they all had voted for eventually gave them a vicious bite.
Take me in oh voting public
Take me in for heaven's sake
Take me in oh voting public, sighed the snake.

But we voted for you, cried the people
And you're biting us…but why
You're dividing us with hate and our democracy might die…
"Oh shut up, you silly people, " said the reptile with a grin
"You knew damn well I was a snake before you voted me in…