A Resignation Speech

I do not long for broad authority

beyond the small degree I need.

I don't plan to bow before any man

but otherwise I'll typically accede.

It requires a patience I do not possess;

Commitment I am unwilling to make;

For a thankless job that is neverending

while friends and family you forsake.

To those that seek an unending supply,

I have some unfortunate news for you.

You're hardly the first to take these steps

no matter what you think you knew.

The throne has called for generations.

All who sit upon it have been changed.

Perhaps you'll be different after all,

but forgive me if I remain at a range.

Either your friends become your subjects,

or you can provide them their own class.

But all will claim you are being unfair

no matter how you appoint your brass.

Every decision is of lesser evils

as the throne makes you its fool.

No matter how you play the game

it's designed to be a little cruel.

The throne can claim benevolence

but its interests are in the way.

Individuals value their autonomy;

Authority seeks to take that away.

You can find me in the eternal fight

but not on the side of you.

Perhaps I wouldn't have done better

but I will not be told what I can do.

I begrudgingly admit some necessity;

a power vacuum would truly suck.

If this is the career you wish to pursue

I wish you the absolute best of luck.

I'll continue to keep my distance

from my irreversibly altered friend.

The throne claims yet another victim

All in the name of what we pretend.

I'm happy to hold little authority

instead of a throne, I'll take a stool.

My time unessential yet mine alone.

Don't you have a world to rule?

***

Dedicated to M.V., a friend who has decided to take over the world, apparently.