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HUGH O’FLAHERTY MEMORIAL WEEKEND
SECOND LEVEL SCHOOLS POETRY COMPETITION
WINNING ENTRY 2016
DONAGH McMAHON – MERCY MOUNTHAWK TRALEE

Man’s Achilles Heels

Greed… a five letter word that appears so benign
That has shaped our humanity since the beginning of time.
It’s the root of all evil and man’s Achilles heel
Leading even the honest to beg, borrow and even steal.
We live in a world it has sculpted and built,
Where one percent account for most of the wealth!
So much power in the hands of the few
Megalomaniacs who control me, and you
Corrupt politicians who are easily bought
Selling the liberties for which our forefathers fought.
Agents of duplicity for their corporate friends
Preaching frugality while they collect dividends,
For the working class man it’s crippling austerity
So the rich can continue on the path to prosperity.
Starting phoney wars with the promises of peace
Dressed up in righteousness with the intention to fleece
Raping and pillaging till there’s nothing to take,
A trail of destruction is left in their wake.

And what of the people whose lives have been shattered?
Entire populations left broken and battered.
Families wiped out in the blink of an eye
“Collateral Damage!” the hoodlums will cry…

Where is the humanity in all this insanity?

Can we still do our bit by being honest and caring?
Can we really teach our children the importance of Sharing?
IF so… maybe, just maybe there is hope for us all
And this age of inequality will crumble and fall.