When The Landlord Bares His Zeal

The title is a parody of Gilbert and Sullivan's song "When the Foeman Bares His Steel" from "The Pirates of Penzance." Two of the last three lines have been snatched from the song. (Although the first lines match the melody, the poem can't be sung to the tune.)

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The time I gave up rent for lent

without obtaining signed consent,

the landlord proved to be hell-bent

to guarantee that I’d relent,

ensuring I’d pay every cent

with interest, which might circumvent

the chance another like event

occurred again, with his intent

that tenants’ futures aren’t misspent,

so I suppose I should repent

since I now see it’s evident—

and something which I can’t prevent—

for his intentions are well-meant.

By Ken Gosse

From: United States

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