A PARODY is a humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing. In the following parody of Charles Kingsley’s famous poem Young and Old, I have made every effort to mimic the flavor of the original piece: the discourse on opposites, the finished length, the galloping cadence, the unusual rhyme scheme. “Don” is,
of course, a narcissistic president more concerned about his dessert than the plight of the refugees in… uh… whichever country he just bombed. Don’t be a Don, folks. If you have food on your table, give thanks. If you have extra, graciously share it with your neighbor.
THE TOP AND THE BOTTOM
When every meal is fine, Don
all lobster tails and steak
Paired with the perfect wine, Don
and gorgeous chocolate cake
Then raise your glass to wealth, Don
A toast to billionaires!
Indulge your precious self, Don
Reach for your silverware
But don’t forget the ones, Don
whose budgets barely stretch
They make their grocery runs, Don
the day they get their checks
All beans and rice and staple foods
for soups and casseroles
Yet bow their heads in gratitude
to He who fills their bowls
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JUST JOAN 42 
Marvelous
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Thanks, PB. I knew you would “get” this one. As always, I appreciate your comment and encouragement. 🙂
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I hadn’t read Charles Kingsley’s “Young and old” before Joan. I think you’ve did a great job in both the form, flow of the poem. Needless to say, the satire is also very clever.
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Thanks, Chevvy. My poet friend Conrad recites Young and Old in a beguiling, lyrical, Irish brogue that carries me away to the Emerald Isle, maybe a pub where an old man is passing his wisdom on to a young one. He’s even borrowed some of the lines in a poem of his own. The Muses deserve all the credit here; I awoke with these lines singing in my head and penned them before they got away. Gratitude makes all the difference in how rich a person feels. Have a blessed and happy Sunday, my friend! 🙂
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You have a way with words Joan, beguiling in themselves. The poetry that “wakes up singing in your head” is the best kind. The Sun has come down on a peaceful Sunday.😀
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A good one Joan 😀
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Thanks, Joyce. Pretty sure DT is never going to live down the faux pas he tried to cover up with chocolate cake. 🙂
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A great message in a well done piece. I’m sure if I had been more familiar with the original, it would seem that much more impressive.
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Thanks, Marissa. The original work is a favorite of my 89-year old poetry mentor, so not exactly contemporary. There’s a link to it in the post, just click “Young and Old” if you want to peruse it.
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Love, Love, Love! This is amazing, Joan. I haven’t read “Young and Old” but I certainly will. I adore your galloping cadence. That hideous Don the Con and his cronies will never outshine hard-working, thankful, spirited people who are truly thankful to make it in today’s world.
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Thanks, Lana. There is a link to “Young and Old” in the post. I know well the world of coupons and casseroles. The rich are so far removed from that world, it is as if it doesn’t exist. The ones most likely to be grateful for what they have, and do what they can to help, are often only a rung or two higher on the ladder than the ones they’re helping. Empathy is born of having been in a similar position, I guess. Here’s to paying it forward; I’ll drink to that! 🙂
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I believe you are right, Joan. I know that world well also. I read “Young and Old,” enjoyed it very much. I’ll raise my Starbucks mug and drink that one with you 😀
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42, you are a rare treat.
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