The Leader That Was Pushed
Once on a time a general whose name is handed down
To the present generation as a name of high renown
Once on a time this general - I trust you understand
This happened years and years ago, and in a foreign land.
This general once stood before his army, thinking hard;
And he talked about advancing, but he didn't move a yard,
For, to put the matter plainly, though he knew his cause was right,
And desired to be the leader, yet he didn't want to fight.
He bravely talked for hours and hours of tactics and defence
(In good sooth, he was a leader of undoubted eloquence)
Till his soldiers grew impatient, for they spied afar the foe,
So they started marching forward, and the leader had to go,
Though he begged for time to elocute, they forced him to a walk;
Then they broke into a double, and he hadn't breath to talk.
If his soldiers start to push him - well, that can a leader do?
Thus he led his army forward - of necessity, 'tis true.
Oh, they forced him to a run,
And the firing of a gun
Gave him qualms about the business, but he couldn't change his mind.
He'd have dearly loved to pause
And orate about The Cause,
But he had to keep responding to the pressure from behind.
Then he yelled a battle-cry,
And he waved his sword on high,
But he mournfully reflected as he viewed the foemen's horde:
Leadership may be all right
While the foe is out of sight,
But, like the pen, the silver tongue is safer than the sword.
The fight was won. That general, his heart swelled up with pride,
Delivered speeches eloquent to his victorious side;
And the peroration hinted they should rest while they'd the chance;
But the army wanted more of it and urged him to advance.
'Twas here the general resigned to join another band
That didn't yearn to go and fight the battles of the land.
'Twas a calm, reposeful army, and that leader suited well;
For it let him talk of fighting while it sat and took a spell.
He was leader of the tired,
And he never was required
To go ranging o'er the country to attack a savage foe;
And whene'er he thought it best
To sit down and take a rest,
Well - it's rude to push a leader when he doesn't want to go.
And, if by some mischance,
He should mention an advance,
They would let him talk about it and applaud him very hard;
They would hail him as the man
Who by right was in the van;
But they'd grab him by the coat-tails if he sought to move a yard.
Give attention now, my masters, to this general's career;
He was affable and eloquent, but let me mention here
This happened very long since - twenty thousand years or so;
For now, we know, a leader leads before he's forced to go.
But if, perchance, at any time, a leader you should find
Who objects to moving onward till he gets a push behind,
Far better shift him from the front; his place is never here;
And let him join the other crowd - the Army of the Rear.
Let us have a moving army, let its leader be a man
Who doesn't need a shove behind to keep him in the van;
And if he halts to elocute, let's shift him off the track,
And put him 'mid the baggage-carts and lumber at the back.
There to seek a reputation with the busted and the bushed:
For no man may seek for Honor who insists on being pushed.
And he who seeks to lead must keep ahead a yard or so,
For - it's rude to push a leader when he doesn't want to go.
For a leader of the kind
Who requires a kick behind
Isn't any sort of leader, when you come to think of it;
And the generals we need
Are the fellows who CAN lead
The men who know the track to go, and tackle it with grit.
Wherefore, when you hear the talk
Of these fellows who would baulk,
While they flood the land with eloquence till mentally you're bushed.
Just remember, words and air
Seldom lead to anywhere,
And reflect upon the story of the leader that was pushed
poem by Clarence Michael James Stanislaus Dennis
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Ken
YOWWW! Ha!
We look to the left and to the right
We need help but nobody's in sight
Where is the man that we all need
Well tell him he's to come and rescue me
Chorus:
Do do 'n do do 'n do dow
Do do 'n do do 'n do dow
Ken is the man that we all need
Ken is the leader of the GLC
Now head 'em up
Rope 'em in
Move 'em out
Now can't you see
That we need the leader of the GLC
Do do 'n do do 'n do dow
Do do 'n do do 'n do dow
Ken is the man that we all need
Ken is the leader of the GLC
Who is the man we all need?
(KEN!!)
Who is the funky sex machine?
(KEN!!)
Who is the leader of the GLC?
(KEN!!)
Who is the man we all need?
(KEN!!)
Now head 'em up
Rope 'em in
Move 'em out
(KEN!!)
Can't you see
That we need ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Do do 'n do do 'n do dow
Do do 'n do do 'n do dow
Ken is the man that we all need
Ken is the WAHWHAYEAYEAYEAYEA!!!!
Who is the man we all need?
(KEN!)
(KEN!)
Do do 'n do do 'n do dow
Do do 'n do do 'n do dow
Ken is the man that we all need
Ken is the leader of the GLC!!
song performed by by Kate Bush
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Your Leader
I am your leader.
Follow me to the promised land.
I'll deliver you from the scum that fills the earth.
My wrath to scorch the world.
Your leader here to fill with fear,
the scum that takes us now our honor smears.
It's time forme to clean the trash.
The leaer now is useless,
and cowers so fast.
I'm your leader now we'll conquer need,
destroying all that displeases me.
I'm tired of waiting for change that's not there.
A nation of cowards that fear the very change of the air.
Your leader is here now bw at my feet.
If you don't like what I do you'll feel
pain and anguish so true.
I will not take this further disgrace.
Of deling with retards in this small living space.
Breathing room now your leader does say.
If your not here to help I'll put you out of my way.
Death and destruction,
such pain and awesome reward.
First is the suffering then victory and bounty to hoard.
Your leader is delivered,
Praise the God that's here now.
I'll deliever us from demons that destroy and surround.
I am the man a leader born true.
If you are undesireble I'm coming for you.
poem by Michael McParland
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Good Leader
A good leader
is the one
who will lead his people
not to war
but to a better life.
When I say
a better life
it's a life
where hunger
does not exist,
education and medication
is of reach.
So a leader
who could lead his people
to a better life
is the leader
whom I will salute
for he is the only leader
whom I will call
a good leader.
poem by Marites C. Cayetano
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Take Us to Your Leader! ...
These 'new' aliens,
Are all over the place!
'Take us to your leader!
We need to speak to your leader.'
~Geesssh...
What a bad time to arrive.
You see...
'That one' was actually elected.
However,
Those running around objecting?
There is not a leader among them.
But if you listen to them,
You might believe all of them are.
Let's see...
You want to toss a coin on this?
Heads...
You go to that guy over there.
Tails?
Good luck!
You ready? ~
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A Good Leadership
A good leader
leading by example
is a good leader
showing the way
By rational moves
with endurances and love
He rules his subjects
Disciplines of people
He make his goals
The subject progress is
All his dream
Education, A must
To good leader
As ass on the throne
Formal education not only his yard stick
With life's experience
A good leader, A jewel
At home
write by james
poem by James Prince
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A Strange Cocktail
In their National flag they do take such great pride
And they feel superior with god on their side
And their leader he tells them of us against they
But when they fight his war from them he's far away.
And not different to their leader is the leader of they
And they too believe everything that he does say
About those they've never met or they never will know
We make our own enemy and we choose our own foe.
A terrorist is someone that society create
And racism and insults only give rise to hate
And terrorism as such is hard to define
Between all out war and suicide bombing where can one draw
the line.
Nationalism, Patriotism and Religion when these three you combine
They make for a strange cocktail like vodka, whiskey and wine,
They stir up strong feelings and hatred takes to flame
And resentment it leads them to great acts of shame.
On the flagpost in their front yard their National flag is waving in the wind
In the heart of the war-like the extreme patriot you'll find
And their dishonourable and cowardly leader who in war does not fight
The hatred for those different in them does ignite.
poem by Francis Duggan
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Field of Battle
Forced are the troops of battle,
Into the field of war, of war.
Feed on their movement, general,
As a leader of war, of this battle.
I, a troop, have forced my mind
Into the war of my dreams,
Into the fire of my wishes;
They are like dread and scare.
To belittle a young man, who is a soldier,
A fighter, born of the skill to fight and parry,
Is never agreeable in the eyes of the warlord,
The hard man or woman, the harsh chief.
Punishment awaits those who excel at war crime
And force is a force that fades from power
To weak pull, a reaction to the enemy,
A full explosion for them who oppose.
Swords and crossbows are the implements
That win the war more than anything else.
Your horse is put to death, the standard-bearers
Are put down for their bravery, gallantry.
Forced are the troops of battle,
Into the field of war, of war.
Feed on their movement, general,
As a leader of war, of this battle.
poem by Naveed Akram
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Fundamental of Liar Chapter XXXVIII: Dear Leader Part 4
Leader is the person who has ability to conquer all greed
Without ever use his power
Leader is not a dictator or a savior
A leader must not use his power to rule
But to end useless fight
from Nabari no Ou
poem by Maria Sudibyo
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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An Influential Leader
We need today an influential leader, for a nation that has gone awry,
A man who cares much deeper, about The Lord, who reigns on High,
Who is guided in all his choices, by The Creator, who rules the skies,
And not moved by political voices, causing the country sure demise.
We need a leader who is not afraid, to stand upon the Word of God,
Marching not in the political parade, but, led by God’s staff and rod,
This to lead this now divided nation, a country which all truly cherish,
Back to God’s sure Revelation, before, as a people we surely perish.
We need a leader of more courage, who will rise up and take a stand,
Pointing all, to their blessed heritage, all across this prosperous land,
A man made of truth and integrity, who stands behind his moral guns,
Through each town and every city, long after, for office this man runs.
He will need character and fortitude, to lead a nation that’s so diverse,
For, with such a divided multitude, things ahead could only get worse.
He needs a vision sound and clear, to reach all the country as a whole,
To comfort those who fall into fear, as it speaks to this country’s soul.
A leader with God’s righteousness, who will choose to do what’s right,
To take us out of this moral mess, to lead us from darkness into light.
A leader to move the hearts of men, clear across the land that we trod,
So all of the people can say again, truly we are one nation under God.
Sonnet -A Leader Great
A leader great is born, once in a while,
with skill, courage, and forevision to rule,
The country wisely and in apt a style,
Deciding fast, yet staying like a Mule.
A leader great is humble to the core,
And slogs for people's progress, endlessly;
With energy and zeal, always in store.
He leads them out of chaos, selflessly.
A leader great is loved by even foes;
And gains all hearts and minds, forever so;
He works unceasingly despite all woes,
And tills the land thoroughly like a hoe.
A leader great tho' chosen by his wards,
Is pre-destined to work for no rewards.
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Picking Teachers For Their Leader
Strangers!
Come before the darkness of night,
Crawls.
As twilight escorts the rising moon!
Strangers...
Known in dreams.
Whisper of their presence unseen.
But felt...
By a familiar comfort embraced.
My steps cease to seek a quickened pace.
There is no wish for leaving.
I am told in my mind I should stay.
Soft voices dance within rainbowed light!
Sparkling to convince...
I should pray with faith.
And they would make my life right!
Picking teachers for their Leader.
For the One never shown.
The One who through scriptures...
Repeated to make appear,
But left still for them to go unknown.
Picking teachers for their Leader.
How they do it like it's done...
When they come,
Nobody knows.
Their picking teachers for their Leader.
They say He's number One.
Like none other like He,
Upon me with gifts bestowed!
Strangers!
Come before the darkness of night,
Crawls.
As twilight escorts the rising moon!
Strangers...
Known in dreams.
Whisper of their presence unseen.
But felt...
By a familiar comfort embraced.
Their picking teachers for their Leader.
As God demands.
Their picking teachers for their Leader.
As God Commands.
Their picking teachers for their Leader.
And I understand...
Something that I give,
Must be done with giving hands.
And instantly I'm comprehending...
My relationship with my fellowman.
Their picking teachers for their Leader.
Picking teachers for their Leader.
Their picking teachers for their Leader.
Picking teachers for their Leader
Picking teachers for their Leader.
Picking teachers for their Leader!
Strangers!
Come before the darkness of night,
Crawls.
As twilight escorts the rising moon!
Strangers...
Known in dreams.
Whisper of their presence unseen.
But felt...
By a familiar comfort embraced.
Their picking teachers for their Leader.
Picking teachers for their Leader.
Their picking teachers for their Leader.
Picking teachers for their Leader
Picking teachers for their Leader.
Picking teachers for their Leader!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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It is the solemn obligation of a leader always to be a leader. Even when - perhaps especially when - you don't feel like being a leader.
quote by Bill Owens
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Let's Make A Den (demo)
Let's make a den
What shall we use?
Make it out of hay
Who will be leader?
In it we can play at both being mothers and fathers until we have
children of our own.
Let's make a den
What shall we use?
Make it out of wood
Who will be leader?
Wouldn't it be good if we could fight off rival gangs and take total
possession of the hill
For the rest of our days?
Isn't that what we can all look forward to when we grow up?
Isn't that what we can all look forward to?
Behind the door, women and men
Love and war inside of our den.
Let's make a den
What shall we use?
Make it out of bricks
Who will be leader?
In it how the sticks and stones will fly but my oh my won't we have
fun when later on we patch it up?
Let's make a den
What shall we use?
Make it from cement
Who will be leader?
In it we can pent up all of our fears but give presents each Christmas
like there was nothing ever wrong
For the rest of our days.
Isn't that what we can all look forward to when we grow up?
Isn't that what we can all look forward to?
Behind the door, women and men
Love and war inside of their den.
Well you can wear your brand new nurse's outfit,
And I can wear my brand new cowboy suit.
Everything unchanging
Just furniture arranging
Let's make a den
What shall we use?
Make it underground
Who will be leader?
Protect us from the flash and sound of the big stick they drop just
to stop us from cuddling and hanging on
For the rest of our days
song performed by by Xtc
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Leader
I wanna be the leader
I wanna be the leader
Can I be the leader?
Can I? I can?
Promise? Promise?
Yippee I'm the leader
I'm the leader
OK what shall we do?
poem by Roger McGough
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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More Eyes Are Opened Wide
They wish to blame their failures,
On someone that isn't there yet.
Someone who isn't officially their leader.
Someone who respects,
The one who led them and created their mess.
And yet this new leader,
Is expected to correct this!
He is one who is highly respected.
But a crisis that affects their lives...
Had been their before his brilliance,
Was long suspected!
And that leader who diminished,
Their quality of life...
They followed and allowed him,
To destroy their values.
As it is observed and reflected.
And the new leader,
Although black...
Is expected to restore their dignity.
And quickly clean up their filthy dirty tracts.
As has been historically accustomed.
But these times more eyes are opened wide.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A leader who doesn't hesitate before he sends his nation into battle is not fit to be a leader.
quote by Golda Meir
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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No leader sets out to become a leader. People set out to live their lives, expressing themselves fully. When that expression is of value, they become leaders. So the point is not to become a leader. The point is to become yourself, to use yourself completely
quote by Warren G. Bennis
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Behind a leader there must be followers, but they should always be on the lookout for the main chance and ready to change sides if the current leader doesn't deliver.
quote by Mary Douglas
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Lone Wolf Plan
I get more power,
At night time.
I am a lone wolf,
And a smart one too.
I hunt by myself,
And feed myself.
I look for love,
But I always get rejected.
I've taken my last reject,
So I hunt for blood.
I hunt the one's,
Who rejcted me.
I hunt my old pack,
To kill the leader.
Once that's done,
I'll be leader.
I can lead my new pack,
To victory.
I shall win a new love,
And win a pack.
My strength is better,
But my smarts are better.
I am clever,
So I will win.
I fight the leader,
And lose.
Now I die,
All alone.
My plans have failed,
My life has just began.
I might not breath the air,
Or run freely.
But my new life,
As a spirit,
Has just begun...
poem by Dragon Crenshaw
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Lets Make A Den
Lets make a den
What shall we use?
Make it out of hay
Who will be leader?
In it we can play at both being mothers and fathers until we have
Children of our own.
Lets make a den
What shall we use?
Make it out of wood
Who will be leader?
Wouldnt it be good if we could fight off rival gangs and take total
Possession of the hill
For the rest of our days?
Isnt that what we can all look forward to when we grow up?
Isnt that what we can all look forward to?
Behind the door, women and men
Love and war inside of our den.
Lets make a den
What shall we use?
Make it out of bricks
Who will be leader?
In it how the sticks and stones will fly but my oh my wont we have
Fun when later on we patch it up?
Lets make a den
What shall we use?
Make it from cement
Who will be leader?
In it we can pent up all of our fears but give presents each christmas
Like there was nothing ever wrong
For the rest of our days.
Isnt that what we can all look forward to when we grow up?
Isnt that what we can all look forward to?
Behind the door, women and men
Love and war inside of their den.
Well you can wear your brand new nurses outfit,
And I can wear my brand new cowboy suit.
Everything unchanging
Just furniture arranging
Lets make a den
What shall we use?
Make it underground
Who will be leader?
Protect us from the flash and sound of the big stick they drop just
To stop us from cuddling and hanging on
For the rest of our days.
song performed by by Xtc
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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