Egypt in 2011

Think about how few words you would have to change in this astonishing sonnet by Shelley before it would perfectly describe Egypt today. Answer: Not many.

England in 1819 An old, mad, blind, despised, and dying king, Princes, the dregs of their dull race, who flow Through public scorn, mud from a muddy spring, Rulers who neither see, nor feel, nor know, But leech-like to their fainting country cling, Till they drop, blind in blood, without a blow, A people starved and stabbed in the untilled field, An army, which liberticide and prey Makes as a two-edged sword to all who wield, Golden and sanguine laws which tempt and slay; Religion Christless, Godless--a book sealed; A Senate, Time's worst statute unrepealed, Are graves, from which a glorious Phantom may Burst, to illumine our tempestous day.

Here's hoping. And here's hoping the phantom will indeed be glorious, not horrific.