The Angry Man

The other day I chanced to meet An angry man upon the street — A man of wrath, a man of war, A man who truculently bore Over his shoulder, like a lance, A banner labeled “Tolerance.” And when I asked him why he strode Thus scowling down the human road, Scowling, he answered, “I am he Who champions total liberty — Intolerance being, ma’am, a state No tolerant man can tolerate. “When I meet rogues,” he cried, “who choose To cherish oppositional views, Lady, like this, and in this manner, I lay about me with my banner Till they cry mercy, ma’am.” His blows Rained proudly on prospective foes. Fearful, I turned and left him there Still muttering, as he thrashed the air, “Let the Intolerant beware!”