Like the goats of old <br />These ones grow increasingly bold <br />For they see that at the end <br />There's more food for those who remain in the pen. <br /> <br />So they attract the hedge funds <br />And those who are of similar minds <br />To follow their lead <br />To satisfy their increasing greed. <br /> <br />With loads of capital to entice <br />They offer rewards to those who play nice <br />And for those who go against the stream <br />The consequences can be quite mean. <br /> <br />But wait those sheep that follow so blindly <br />Are of independent minds, supposedly. <br />Yet as they are entranced by computer trades <br />They are entering a hell worse than de Sade's. <br /> <br />For once the commitment is made, <br />The sheep (or other cattle) that trade, <br />Are caught up in the method from which there is no end <br />As they aren't able their trading to suspend. <br /> <br />Greater and greater grow the swings <br />As the noose is tightened on each new bing <br />They seek to cover the losses, as before <br />With an unwillingness to face what's in store. <br /> <br />The goats; Asian central banks, <br />And those of Petro-dollar ranks <br />Have discovered the clout of investments <br />With political, military and/or economic motives. <br /> <br />So Wall Street is to become <br />A slaughter house for some <br />As it no longer will be <br />A place to harbor one's money safely. <br /> <br />And no matter the actions of Gentle Ben <br />Or the shuffling of Old Greenspan <br />To provide as sure a bet as before <br />For the writing's on the wall to notice – <br /> or, sadly, ignore! <br /> <br />Alas, banks and mutual funds that once seemed so wise <br />Will suffer most severely, I surmise.<br /><br />Sidi J. Mahtrow<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/globalization-and-the-slaughter-house-goats/
