In the Next Life, Canto IV, stanzas 34-37

Now, we could add a footnote of our own
about why I’m behaving like a bird,
were we that line of thinking to condone,
which isn’t likely—none but Esther heard.

And even if she had not done the crime,
who would have listened? Who’d have understood?
And even if he’d said it in our time,
would more exposure have done any good?

No, Ciral’s thesis would not have survived.
As anyone can see, it can’t be true.
Our values are objectively derived.
At least I’m sure that mine are. How ’bout you?

But it was not subjected to the Gong.
Yes, that’s the part of this that makes me frown.
’Twas never tried and proven to be wrong.
Nobody got a chance to shoot it down.

The Gong: The Gong Show was a short-lived television talent show spoof (1976-1980), in which judges struck a gong when they disapproved of an act.
©2013 Louis A. Merrimac