To Pay The Piper

That old taxman came by today
And asked, was I prepared to pay?
I was inclined to ask him why
I should feel compelled to comply.

I’ve more government than I need
And those at home with mouths to feed.
So, why should I need pay your fee –
What, I ask, is in it for me?

With a sigh, the taxman produced
A tube of which the end he loosed.
I thought it held a flute or pipe,
Or a paper roll of some type.

We’ve a contract, he softly said,
With debts owed, not easily shed.
He tapped the tube on his left palm
And held my eyes with silent calm.

Do you deny the deeds been done
To serve the needs of everyone?
To build your towns and keep them clean,
From near to far and in between?

You have tasked us with many chores –
To help at home and fight your wars.
Build your streets and patrol them too,
And things you alone cannot do.

And now it’s time to pay the bill,
Citizen’s duty to fulfill.
Use your vote to select our task,
But pay those who do what is asked.