Alden Pyle’s poetry corner

The SAIS Grad’s burden

Take up the SAIS Grad’s burden—
Sent forth newly informed—
Entering the world of policy,
No longer as clay unformed!
To find the meaningful job,
The perfect position is sought—
To fix all the world’s problems—
War, poverty, crime, and whatnot.

Take up the SAIS Grad’s burden—
Seeking the alumni mafia—
Never-ending networking,
Please end my job hunt saga!
But you can write the perfect memo,
It puts all others to shame!
But what policies will you advocate—
For better, or personal fame?

Take up the SAIS Grad’s burden—
End the “savage wars of peace!”
Advocate another surge—
Make the violence decrease?
Your policies will affect the world,
Please avoid another fiasco—
Consider the known unknowns,
And make your plans quite thorough.

Take up the SAIS Grad’s burden—
Remember Solow on trade!
Once you grasp the understanding,
The obsession will not fade.
Rally behind the WTO—
Give all members their voice!
Remember to distribute the gains,
Since post-revolution, there’s no choice!

Take up the SAIS Grad’s burden—
Is Jeff Sachs sustainable?
Seriously, please ignore Bono,
And focus on what’s obtainable.
Don’t patronize the poor,
Remember, in order to succeed:
People respond to incentives—
So ask them what they need!

Take up the SAIS Grad’s burden—
Conquer the Department of State;
Focus on what’s important!
(Hint: not the size of your doorplate.)
To implement your grand policies
You will need heavy ordinance,
But don’t you dare forget
The ability of a smile to influence!

Take up the SAIS Grad’s burden—
Never bury talents in a field—
Don’t waste a single day,
nor to the Dark Arts yield!
You’ve been given a degree,
To do with, it’s up to you.
But you know what’s expected:
Excellence—to pursue anew!

Alden Pyle is a 1st year MA candidate in Strategic Studies. With apologies to Rudyard Kipling