the heavens themselves

politest forms obscure the ugly side
the world belongs to those who are too rich
the rest of us have only rags and pride

the truth of power cannot long be denied
only a few can scratch the hungry itch
politest forms obscure the ugly side

the ones who pay the bill can't choose the ride
and everywhere we watch out for the snitch
the rest of us have only rags and pride

whoever rules is free to be most snide
and sneer at every beggar's humble pitch
politest forms obscure the ugly side

every wise husband has paid for his bride
as for a side of beef or for a flitch
the rest of us have only rags and pride

this is plain truth we cannot just elide
the fact that we are ruled by dog and bitch
politest forms obscure the ugly side
the rest of us have only rags and pride