Queenswood Academic Scholar Isobel Clark (Upper Sixth) wrote this satirical poem in the run-up to the General Election.

Election Time!

Are you in for the sprint, or will you run the marathon?
Is voting just a game, something just for fun?
Do you feel the spirit, of your community,
Or does every-thing in your head shout
I, MYSELF AND ME!

This is the battle of our generation.
What is at stake? A creation,
For better or for worse,
A filled or empty purse,
The future versus the past,
Our children to come in last
For who, truly, will lose out?

Those who’ve yet the voices to shout.

A vote for the Reds is a drug to numb the pain
But only in the short term – there’s nothing to gain.
A vote for the Blues will surely cure the sick,
To the point that there are no more wounds to lick.
Any other party means a coalition,
Most with selfish aims, to fulfill a mission:
Striving for independence, turning the country green,
Chucking out inhabitants, anyone to be seen.
They’ve no respect for economy,
And yet look, here’s the irony:
Debating debt, in mistake for deficit,
Leaves these politicians rather short of wit.

Everything is up to you:
You must decide what to do.
Is democracy a curse or beauty,
Leaving you to fulfil your duty?
Be sure to play your role:
Go and place your poll.
Do not cloud your eyes with mist,
Instead, simply, I’ll ask you this:

Are you in for the sprint, or will you run the marathon?