The X that Passes

  

 

Teacher failed me

But she gave you a pass,

Maybe she favours you above all

That are in her class.

 

The X that passes

Does not indicate fail,

But rather, it is symbolical of one

That has availed.

 

Checking the boxes

Is indicated with a tick,

However, there is just one time

When we get trick.

 

 

 

In the silly season

Or general election time

The X captures our attention

With X on our mind.

 

Wrong becomes right

And the X replaces a tick

And yes, this is that very occasion

When are tricked. 

 

Promises are made

As usual to do better

And we pass unfaithful servants

Becoming their debtors.

 

 

 

Masters rather briefly

Then become the slaves

While those we passed with an X

Behave like knaves.

 

How I hated an X

When I was at school

And now those receiving my X

Take me for a fool.

 

They’re out canvassing

To fool me again

But I know all they are about

Is causing me pain.

 

 

 

Taking my X for a pass

And doing as they like

Because we are the real morons

And they are bright.

 

Electorate or illiterate

I leave you to choose

But when an X becomes a pass

We invariably lose.

 

Stewart Russell © February 3, 2026