Gabelle ... Measure

Today’s word is “gabelle” ... guh-bel ... a tax; excise. (Dictionary.com)

Measure

Penalties and gabelles,

Have a life all of their own,

Following mistakes and indiscretions,

They will multiply and grow.

They are meant as a deterrent,

Yet they function as a rake,

Under their weight is struggle,

And officials happy with the take.

Robin Hood was glorified,

When he tried to equal out the game,

Today’s warriors of justice cry,

As they try to do the same.

Instead, it seems our differences,

Have caused a rash of hate,

The value within each of us,

Dismissed in the debate.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2019