I can't boast of my pedigree, <br />Or claim to be of noble birth; <br />But let me tell you my history, <br />How people spotted my worth. <br /> <br />From the death of Plankton I was born, <br />Sticky black substance of odious smell, <br />Shunned, unappreciated by one and all; <br />Little did they know of my future renown. <br /> <br />I began work in humble service, <br />Binding mud bricks, to be precise, <br />Then I rose to the rank of fuel to ignite, <br />A source of heat and much needed light. <br /> <br />People took me to their heart, <br />But I remained of little account <br />Until they discovered my potential <br />And considered me most essential. <br /> <br />Precious as gold, they thought of me; <br />'Black Gold', they lovingly named me; <br />'Noble fuel' the Shah of Iran called me; <br />It seems no honour is too good for me. <br /> <br />Now I rub shoulders with the rich and mighty, <br />Kings and Presidents delight in my company. <br />Nations compete to gain my favour, <br />Courting me with zeal and fervour. <br /> <br />I've risen to the rank of a god <br />Ruling over the hearts of many. <br />Governments keep me in mind <br />As they form their foreign policy. <br /> <br />Wars are now waged in my name, <br />Innocent blood is shed at my altar. <br />I have reached the highest fame; <br />Oh! How I wish things would alter. <br /> <br />I wished to serve humanity, <br />Offered myself in humility. <br />But they got the better of me, <br />Those greedy men of vanity. <br /> <br />I shall abandon them to their devices, <br />I refuse to encourage them in their vices. <br />Into the depths of the earth I shall retract, <br />Making myself scarce, difficult to extract.<br /><br />Isam Hussain<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/oil-tells-its-story/
