The West Poem by Paul Abucean

'And then they come to gratify our nation
With their sagacious mugs of wooly sheep'.
M. Eminescu


A ram was sent to study in The West,
then baffled us when he returned a ewe.
What stunning adaptation! Well, he knew
he needs no talent who with wool is blessed.

To rouse the many and appease the few,
his ovine brethren - based in Bucharést -
now sheepishly and baaah-shfully request
the Noble Prize for meekness he is due.

And meanwhile, in his snug, well-funded trench,
the sheepfold's former son digs underneath,
its whole foundation striving to unhinge;

he whines about The Shepherd's yellow teeth
and fills the air with literary stench.
Oh, West, do take him back - we'd like to breathe!