There were four learned gentlemen
     of legislative bent,
Who found themselves embroiled in
     a passionate dissent,
On politics' significance
     and what it truly meant.

The first recalling early years
     where fretful strife held sway,
And quest for civic concord marked
     the spirit of the day,
Claimed: "Politics enhances peace.
     What more is there to say?"

The second pondered just a bit
     then visualizing scenes,
Recalling father's stringent rules
     on which life's framework leans,
Said "Quest for stern authority
     is clearly what it means!"

The third, with smile upon his lips,
     remarked with proper pride,
That never had he failed to let
     the greater weal abide.
"Thus politics is nothing but
     good deeds personified!"

The fourth, a rather dour sort,
     in hopes to end debate,
Remarked that o'er its many years,
     engendered only hate.
"There's not a doubt that politics
     is evil incarnate!"

They argued on without a pause
     as tempers truly warmed,
With each maintaining he was right
     their words flew as they stormed.
Though each man had a partial grasp,
     they all were misinformed.

There is no need to prattle on;
     the argument is moot.
For politics is basic when
     you get down to the root.
It's just the human way in which
     we divvy up the loot.