Winter fuel payments to charity: (poem)

OLD not COLD (with apology to Lewis Carol)

Verse written on hearing of Gordon Brown's winter fuel payments being used to sponsor orphaned children.

You are old Father William, the PM said
and your hands and your heart must be cold
We gave you some money and sent you to bed
could you kindly do what you're told?

"Young man, when I'm old" said the sage with a smile
"I'll stop working harder than ever"
"I like to get out and do things which are new
Whatever the wintry weather"

You are old Father William, the PM said
and your pension we've put through the floor
We want you to thank us for handouts instead
not help those whom others made poor!

In truth, said the sage, I never supposed
my taxes would come back and aid me
But money's my own and I'll do as I please
despite all you said which forbade me

You are old, Father William, the PM said
we're sure you will shortly forget
So give to good causes which we choose instead
cos tax is as good as you get

In my youth, said the sage, I traveled the world
and I know where the suffering is real
I'll sponsor a child so they'll have a new mum
because I know how that must feel.

"I have told you three answers and that is enough"
said the PM "just do as your told"
"Do you think I don't chatter all day on such stuff
if you argue you're just getting old. "