Poems of the Week

Sheikh On It

by Stephen Gold

“Prince Charles’s charity won’t be investigated… for accepting £1 million
from the family of Osama bin Laden…”

The Times

A Mr. Bin Laden is here, Sir,
And he’s asked if you’ve time for a chat.
Rest assured there is nothing to fear, Sir,
Not the faintest bouquet of a rat.

An eyebrow or two may be raised, Sir,
That’s a fact one can scarcely refute.
But your judgement will surely be praised, Sir,
This Bin Laden is laden with loot.

You fear to accept may be rash, Sir?
Well, of course, one must think of one’s brand.
But think too of that mountain of cash, Sir.
Let’s not fret that it’s built upon sand.