The "Rubicon"

(on a speech by PW Botha, SA prime minister)
 

"We've crossed the Rubicon!",
Shouts the leader to his followers,
"We must press on and on!",
He urges them as he hollers.

"The world can go to hell!"
He declares to the audience,
But he knows full well
That he is talking nonsense.

But he needs catchy phrases
To cover up his plot
And at the same time he erases
The true meaning of his talk.

Then followed a standing ovation
As he the stage vacated,
Those who joined the acclamation
Have had their fears placated.

Yet, between the lines, he discloses all
That is in store and to follow:
We're marked to loose, and to fall,
And join the rest of Africa in squalor.

At the "Rubicon" insinuation
One notes a gimmick of sale,
For in its proper translation
Simply means - beyond the pale.

Those who can see through this lot
Will recall what happened before;
Such as the deal Rhodesia got,
And will not be fooled anymore.

Empangeni, 1985.
 

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