Neither a Broker nor a Banker

By luigi_pagano

Sat, 12 Dec 2015
  • 1510 reads
6 comments
 

If I were a father to a son,
what advice could I give him?
I would have to paraphrase
Polonius’s counsel to Laertes
and tell my lad in all sincerity:

Neither a broker nor a banker be;
although the bonuses are so huge
that you are able to buy a Ferrari,
indulge in lavish entertainment,
that almost verges on depravity

you’ll be envied by the hoi polloi
and described as a greedy sponger.
Yet you’re stubborn and won’t listen
to the wisdom of this fuddy-duddy.
You’re ostentatious, want to show

how wealthy and powerful you are.
However costly, you can now buy
a penthouse in Belgravia or Mayfair.
Your wardrobe is not prêt-à-porter,
all apparel is made in Savile Row.

Beware of considering law suits
as  lawyers are much  more rapacious
and would take you to the cleaners;
don’t tell HMRC how much you earn
or you might be taxed to the hilt.

This money from heaven may not last
so do your best and  spend it wisely.
You may decide to ignore my advice;
do whatever you wish, without regret,
but most of all don’t feel any guilt.

© Luigi Pagano 2015

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Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

This money from heaven may not last
so do your best and  spend it wisely.
Well, that's a bit of good advice anyway! I'm sure there are some bankers who not only do that, but are generous in a way no-one outside of the gifts knows about, and, of course actually does a very useful job. But it would be a very hard task for a son to do it well and not get tempted off, I guess. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

You are absolutely right, Rhiannon. The whole profession has been tarred by the same brush because of the excesses of a minority and perhaps the bad reputation is unwarranted. There are bad apples in all walks of life so we mustn't generalise.
As the IP is 'For a son (daughter)', right away Polonius's advice to his son - Neither a borrower nor a lender be - came to mind an I decided to use it for a humorous piece.

Luigi x 

 

 

Submitted by loquaciousicity on

Unfortunately, that's the system... and that means drown or swim... and most of us are drowning...

Great poem!

 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

That is also true, Terry. Not being in that category I merely float.

Cheers, Luigi

 

Submitted by hilary west on

If you can land that job you are very lucky, so I don't think I would advise against it. And you are right to say whatever you do don't feel any guilt, guilt is destructive, you must simply be more wise than the bankers that bankrupted Britain !

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

That opportunity has passed me by, Hilary, as I am long retired. Obviously if no harm has been done guilt should not accrue. Yet we know that excessive bonuses contributed to the parlous state of the banks.

Best, Luigi