King Lear’s justice handed fair dealing,
To those with the whip-hand of power.
Yet authorities abuse their high standing,
And cause the defenseless to cower.
The trial of a daughter’s affection
Brought punishment bitter and blind,
Exiling Cordelia and Kent from protection,
With fury corrupting his mind.
The flaying of Lear and of Gloucester
By those they installed up on high,
Left monarchs to weep in the pasture,
And broken-down old men to die.
Against the base thief and the beadle,
The furred gowns of justice will pest.
The powerful hide behind titles,
While putting the poor to the test.
Blinded by wealth and by status,
Poor Gloucester gave much of his store,
Yet found a true, guiding hiatus
With servants who walked on the floor.
For goodness is drawn from the humble,
The old man who guides through the weeds.
When kingdoms and palaces crumble,
True righteousness answers our needs.
The virtue of sharing our plenty,
Is putting no man up above,
Replacing the hollow and empty,
With mutual comfort and love.