Power Hungry (sonnet)

By Luke Labern

The "powerful" are the weakest of men.
    To those who strive - and sweat - and strain - to seem
The strongest -- I hereby wield this pen
    To cross through your hypocritical sheen;
Non-punctuated as your writing is,
    I hope literacy allows you this:
Tone down your voice and mind your business.
    Superiority your parti pris?
No: only the quiet should be listened to.
    Those who abuse their voice (and my ears)
Live clichéd lives and leave me more work to do.
    Your putrid dreams become my greatest fears:
        The powerful seem thus because they hide --
        The truly great stay strong with silent pride.