A Rude Awakening

"Do not tell secrets to those
whose faith and silence
you have not already tested."
Queen Elizabeth I
(1533 - 1603)

First day on the job, in the President's shoes
Must be so much more than the public construes.
Advisors will gather; the Cabinet will meet
To bind up his hands and put chains on his feet.
Conspiracy theories and rumors may fly
Among all who see not through his private eye.

"Guess who has pictures, and guess who has oil.
And guess who has weapons, right here on our soil!"

For treaties are made in a confidence deep.
No wonder the President suffers ill sleep!
As despots and moguls shake hands in the dark,
The President paces inside his landmark.
The vows that he took and the promises made
May be broken in light of advice from an aide.

"Guess who has pictures, and guess who has oil.
And guess who his weapons, right here on our soil!"

Still, many desire this position extolled,
To stand in the great Oval Office threshold,
Where secrets and strategies closely are kept,
And issues and truths may be lost and sidestepped.
The sly power-mongers, who stand close behind,
Are ready to turn a new President's mind.

So here's some wise counsel, whoever may win:
"Select your friends wisely, before you're sworn in!"