The Diplomatic Tango


One step forward,
then two steps back with him,
change your partner,
then do it all again,
Bouquet of carrots,
or stick twirled violently,
Peace comes hard won,
Yet war comes instantly.


Words, o words, o spinning words,
so diplomatically spoken,
offers float by like trial balloons,
piecrust promises broken.

Beware the knife he hides
there in his other hand,
who can you get him talking to,
to make him understand,
Gunfire rattles
are not a children's gift.
Peace is hard won,
what glue can heal this rift?

Words, o words, o spinning words,
so diplomatically spoken,
offers float by like trial balloons,
piecrust promises broken.

Feint and thrust and
don't let them see your plan
play them together
and hope they understand.
Cover your backside,
or else you'll feel the knife.
Peace comes hard won -
What salve can heal this strife?

Words, o words, o spinning words,
so diplomatically spoken,
offers float by like trial balloons,
piecrust promises broken.