Enticed by an aura
Of power and influence,
Feted by the wealthy
And movers of
World order
 
The crown prince
Embraced
With palpitating heart
The emblems of worldly fame
 
Dazzled by the gaze,
Of millions of humble subjects
Cavorting with world leaders
Intoxicated
By the glitter of gold
Brazened by an awesome
Military
 
The protégée son
Of the long march to freedom
Claimed his heritage.
 
But,
Like the prodigal son,
He squandered his fortunes
On bad bets in
Political casinos,
Wasting the good will
So hard won
By the brave and wise
Before him;
 
Strutting on the world stage
Like the Shakespearian
Idiot.
Denying AIDS and
Crisis in Zimbabwe;
Turning our hopes to burning pain
Our prosperity to hunger, and
Peace to murderous orgies;
 
Riding with
Butchers of justice.
Defending the indefensible
Scornful of truth
And the human soul;
Callous of the pathos
Of a nation:
 
Sad and lonely now
Stands the little boy:
A moral scarecrow
Who dared don a cloak
Far too large for his
Pathetic frame.