All are equal

‘We are all equal,’ the wise ones said.

‘How true! How true!’ the rest nodded their head.

‘All of us, each one,’  the wise ones said. ‘All are equal.’

‘Except, of course, the old people: they are old and weak!’

The rest nodded, too sad to speak.

‘And except, of course, the children: they are young and ignorant.’

The rest bent their heads in silent assent.

‘And of course except the women – they are women after all!’

To disagree with that, no one had the gall.

‘Except of course the poor – uncouth as they are!’

The rest snorted and rolled their eyes at the stars.

‘And except the OTHERS – how can they be equal to US?

‘How true, how true!” cried the rest. “Why the fuss?”

‘But, like we said, all of us are equal. All of us!’ the wise men said.
‘How true! How true!’ the rest nodded their head.