PONDERING PIRATES
                Edward Iacona

                 
      There has remained a fascination
      That has lasted through the years,
      Of pirates, ships and the treasures 
      Of those adventurous buccaneers.

      It is very obvious in these times 
      That pirates are still quite popular
      In films and books and games and such
      But not the real ones in Somalia.

      We also pay them homage 
      With "Talk Like a Pirate Day"
      So salt yer speech me hearties
      And add "Arrgh" to what you say. 

      There are pirate costumes for Halloween
      Some will buy them and some will make them.
      But a real pirate would not ask for treats
      He'd just threaten you and take them.        
                     
      There are the Pittsburgh Pirates
      And to further what my case is.
      What could those pirates possibly steal
      Except for a couple of bases.

      There are Neuveau Pirates of today
      That have no need to prowl the seas.
      They can be found in the local laundromat
      Selling inexpensive DVD's

      Still some laud the life of pirates,
      They will act so and admire it
      What always puzzles me is that,
      Why do they desire it?

      Back in the day a real pirate
      Had not much which to aspire;
      Rare promotions, no paid benefits
      And no security on which to retire.  

      For all the riches that they stole
      Which was a considerable pile
      What good did it really do them?
      I don't think it changed their life style.

      Yet thoughts of pirates still surround us
      Be they fiction, real or on a line of scrimmage.
      But, no matter how one thinks of them,
      It took Disney to change their image.