… Only because more and more it seems like the apple doesn’t fall far from its rotting, pestilential tree. But being the eternal optimist that I am, I’m hoping that a handful of the sons and daughters are at least questioning the political and entrepreneurial legacy they are inheriting from their thieving, deceiving, mobster parents and grandparents. But then I also think, who am I kidding! Still, here’s a verse which is probably farce by its very idealism.

I look at the statement 
That I have received 
At the burgeoning wealth
In my off-shore company 
I revel in the fact 
That I’ve paid zero tax
To the exchequer of my home country.
“Remember your legacy and your roots”
I always say to my progeny 
They will of course some day 
Fill my stompingly ample boots 

I see the smirk 
On my son’s face 
It always gets to me 
In some weird way 
“I’m involved in this 
Complex enterprise 
Always walking 
On the edge of a knife!
For your sister and you
So get on the same page!
Boy, this churlishness 
Is not a good look!
Show some gratitude!”
I thunder and rage

“You’re stealing from people 
In thieving hoardes
Tradition and Legacy 
Are just hollow words 
If this is my ethos, 
Why does it reek 
Of insult, deception
Of sly treachery 
I don’t want these roots 
No, no thank you 
These gnarled and twisted
Tendrils of greed!”
He looks at me 
With storms in his eyes 
Intimidating me 
Cutting me down to size 

He looks at the statement 
That he has received 
Of the plundered millions 
In his off-shore company 
He holds it gently
Almost reverently 
Even as he upbraids 
And tongue-lashes me
He now stares me down 
I have to look away 
But at least I found the courage
To finally have my say