transparency international
would like to
congratulate
you
you
have been selected
at random
from thousands
to receive
an all expense paid vacation
to one of their
top ten countries
this trip will afford
you an opportunity
to live life as a local
experience the reasons
for all those heart warming stories
that you have only heard about
on the evening news
for example
watch a new-born infant
vainly fight for survival
then
wade through governmental muck
attempting to bribe a government official
to regain your passport
experience the thrill of the hunt
by being the hunted
run wild to foreign borders
be rejected
or
imprisoned in tent camps
this is just a sample of what awaits you
and although previous winners
have requested a travel brochure
i must sadly admit we have none
however
i have enclosed
several photographs
with comments on each
photo number one
a lovely camp in sudan
where you’ll while away the hours
talking to natives from darfur
please ignore the small fire being set
in the foreground
photo number two
transportation system is displayed
these are somalian toll boats
please bring the correct change
since the captain only carries large bills
this is not some one time offer
like those silly tv commercials
this a stable world condition
so you need not rush to your phone
to respond
take your time
most people
have
Wow! That is brilliant. Confronting and revealing with a poke at apathy for good measure in the final words. Impressed!
I absolutely adored the sales-pitched tone of voice mixed with sarcasm. But the incongruity shouts to the reader as they assess the meaning behind the words. Very powerful! Such a clever presentation. I loved it! Thanks for sharing. Heartspell
slpmartin, the finest compliment I can give you on this piece, is that my laughter was bitter. The vitriol tinged sarcasm you used to relay your message was the box upside the head too many people need. Superb!
Thank you every so much for the compliment…I truly appreciate.
Perfect mixture of dark-humor, bitterness and sheer truth…
Enjoyed the poem and voice and was especially taken with the photo.
I love this post Charlie,
I invite you to visit me in Sudan and we can go visit Darfur together:) don’t forget your shots (vaccines)…
Mirella
I will plan on it as soon as you and your husband are settled in. 🙂
Tackling important issues with absolute wit and humour, splendid! I absolutely loved it!
I am intrigued by your brochure and I would like to subscribe to your magazine.
The stark difference between content and delivery are magnificent. I also really enjoyed the dichotomy of urgency and complacency in the last few lines.
This is brilliant, sad, and true. Thanks for posting, Sue
Brilliant way to tackel current issues, you have such a way with words!
Wow – they just keep getting better. I have always loved your putting a real face on the issues. There isn’t a rug big enough to sweep this stuff under
Heartbreakingly real.
this is a stable world condition
ouch!
Just want to say what a great blog you got here!
I’ve been around for quite a lot of time, but finally decided to show my appreciation of your work!
Thumbs up, and keep it going!
Cheers
Christian, iwspo.net
“Congratulations” on an impressive, eye-opening piece. While it’s a tough call, perhaps my favorite poems of yours have that conversational tone that you write so well. Great reading too. Outstanding work. cheers
This one got me to sit and think. 🙂
liked this. gritty and intelligent at once.
http://itistimetothinkformyself.blogspot.com/2010/05/jingles-may-follower-award-week-3.html
awards 4 u,
Happy Monday!
Not that was fun and meaningful at the same time. Great job my friend.
The sarcastic bite leaves the reader with a heavy-hearted aftertaste. We don’t do enough.
This was very different, a serious topic done in an unusual way, we need to each do more if we can