Alchemy

First mine a heavy metal from the earth

Then press it into hollow coils of brass;

And since you’ve found a way to prove your worth

You’ve got the mettle for the ruling class.

Unfurl a pencil, sharpen it some more;

Write sermons showing Jesus on your side.

Remember to find heathens to deplore

Then shout it from the airwaves far and wide.

Then help your friends so they can start a coup

And sow those bullets (but don’t write that down).

You’ll find that when their grisly work is through

They saved a piece while carving up the town.

No mystery in turning lead to gold:

Find someone else to die while you grow old.

© Frederick C. Ingram 2013