We slip into a role

We slip into a role

Even square pegs assume a posture

In a round hole

So many bend the knee

Bow and scrape

“I give my pledge to thee my liege”

Touching a forelock

Waiting for permission to breathe

Taking their leave

As an acknowledgement of service

Following a leader, blindly

Assuming the role of subordinate with grace

A rictus grin on a stone-grey face

So many, unsuited to make decisions

Thrust into the spotlight

By virtue of birth or education

The sum total of their worth

The result of a series

Of accidents and chance

Working hard is no guard

Against failure

If you want to be in charge

Perhaps you shouldn’t be.

The weight of responsibility

Rests better on the reluctant

Recipient

Who will seek to distribute

And delegate with less fuss

Than a diktat upstart

A dictator with psychopathy

And more ego than common sense

Or sensibility

So help me god