I have reflected upon issues in the news, particularly the massive salary increases to be paid to MEPs, and offer the following for publication:

DUTY AND REWARD

The D-Day veterans meet again

To the backdrop of elections,

As corruption casts a fiscal stain

On democracy's affections.

The veterans of the EEC

Don't fall upon their sword.

They pass the bills to you and me

Of a system that is flawed.

Would those who paid a price in blood

Condone the wild excess

Of MEPs who think they should

Take more, so we have less?

At this juncture of remembrance

Let our history record

Life gives no direct connection

Between duty and reward.

Trevor Carter, The Bard of Windmill Hill.