Councillor’s Lament

Written in the days when I was an elected member of Bradford District Council. Now, thank goodness, I can say and do what I please.

I have to be so sensible, so sage and so wise,
I must always be measured and achieve compromise,
I have to be considered in all I do and say,
But it’s oh so very tempting to blow it all away!

Shall I say to the reporter, “Here’s a story if you dare!
I’m off to find a Toy Boy for a scandalous affair.”
Shall I shout at my constituents, “Stop whingeing and get on!
Your demanding and your moaning have gone on far too long.”

Shall I say to the Leader, “Tell me why, then think again,
You give women all the rubbish jobs & the well-paid ones to men?”
Shall I berate my colleagues, “Take that knife out of my back!
Its the ones in other parties you’re supposed to attack.”

Shall I say to the officers, “Put your time to better uses.
The punters want good services not reams of excuses.”
Shall I say to the public who insult us as a sport,
“I’ve never seen the World changed by people of your sort.”

It is tempting, oh so tempting, I really wish I could,
But I’m genuinely committed to pursue the common-good,
So I’ll try not to do or say things reprehensible,
And carry on regardless being sage, wise and sensible!

© Lynne Joyce 02/11/01