№ 669: Goodness Gracious

Why do people do evil much of the time,
and claim they're inspired by THE DIVINE?
Although, I suppose, it isn't that odd —
since we are blessed with a tolerant God,
who, it is said, forgives any sin
so long as the sinner shows deference to Him.

There, therefore, is never a need to repent.
Whatever was done was with His consent.
Nor is there a need to feel any shame
because, as you know, the Devil's to blame.

(Frank Loesser said it better.)

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№ 615: You Don't Say — Quote Unquoted

REALWORLD, June 11

The only thing necessary
for the triumph of evil
is for “good” men
to do what they shouldn't.

From this we conclude —
and, yes, it is sad —
whatever men do,
it's bound to be bad.

Since this contradicts
what was “said” by Burke,
must we conclude
Burke was a jerk?

But you can take solace,
all you Burke followers.
Because to his credit,
Burke never said it.

So. . .would we be wise
to inter “his” apothegm
with other things said
by dead white men?

The high sentiments
of the late, learned lamented,
which, even if said,
may not have been meant.

(It, furthermore, should
be understood,
no man was ever
actually “good”.)