The Potter Blotter

Often we've heard that Life imitates Art.
We lately quote one of Star Wars' wise saws.
This timely comment did its script impart:
That Freedom dies to "thunderous applause."

So, too, has Harry Potter, prophet true,
Given this age a premonition bold,
Who thwarts the Ministry of Magic's view
Stewed in corruption by its love of gold,

That took over his school, censored, repressed,
That issued ministerial decree
Like our executive orders, oppressed,
And tortured to discourage heresy,

Aided, abetted by The Daily Prophet,
The mainstream media mouthpiece of that creed
Espoused by Death Eaters, lovers of profit,
That muggle "mudbloods" are a lesser breed.

We too have our "papers of record" which
Disseminate propaganda and embed,
But also those like that discerning witch,
Luna, who reads The Quibbler's words instead.

So does 'The Order of the Phoenix' tell
(And if you missed this, take a second look)
How literature can sound a warning bell,
For Rowling's written a subversive book.

June 2005