Fw: classic wince

Russell Grinker grinker at mweb.co.za
Tue Jan 11 11:17:33 PST 2000


Here is a fin-de siècle version of the classical poem "The Development Set" by Ross Coggins:


>The NGO Set
>
>Excuse me, my friends, must catch my jet -
>I'm off to join the NGO Set;
>My knapsack's packed and I've had all my shots,
>Got my VISA card and pills for the trots.
>
>The NGO Set is bright and noble,
>Our thoughts are deep and our vision global;
>Although we circulate with the better classes,
>Our thoughts are always with the masses.
>
>In Sheraton Hotels in many a nation,
>We damn the horrors of globalization;
>Any injustice we loudly protest
>In such seething hotbeds of social unrest.
>
>We discuss malnutrition over steaks,
>And plan microcredit on our coffee breaks.
>Whether Asian meltdown or African drought,
>We confront each issue with our hands held out.
>
>Whether flood or famine or ethnic clash,
>We quickly check on where's the cash;
>Accountability's not a fuss,
>Since nobody ever elected us.
>
>We're practiced consultants whose circumlocution
>Guarantees us more jobs with each solution -
>Assuring us thus further financial success
>As our advice brings with it mess after mess.
>
>The elegant language of the NGO Set,
>Stretches the English alphabet;
>We use fancy expressions like 'epigenetic',
>'Micro', 'Macro' and 'hypo-organic'.
>
>NGO Set pads are remarkably chic,
>Full of carvings, curios and draped with batik.
>Eye-level photographs subtly assure
>That our host is at home with both the rich and the poor.
>
>Enough of these verses - on with the mission!
>Our task is as broad as the human condition!
>May God's biblical promise always be true:
>The poor ye shall always have among you.



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