they enter not with boots but brogues—
shined mirror-bright, reflection-proof—
carrying portfolios stuffed with secrets
and a grin that clocks in before the truth does
they sip from crystal talk transparency
through patent teeth
(fogged slightly with lobbying)
floor speeches flow like varnish:
smooth, non-stick, unsinkable
they nod through the anthem
hand on heart pocket on donor
\"here to serve,\" they say while quietly
serving seconds to the highest bidder
the cloakroom echoes with forgotten intentions
and skeleton keys to closed-door committees
each law passed a paper boat folded with invisible ink
and still, the headlines call them honourable
while we scroll through what’s left of the paddock