The problem with autocrats, despots and tyrants - both in situ and wannabes - is that their words are usually ascribed a gravitas that far exceeds their sensibilities and competence.

An ode

To all the women

And girls

Experiencing

Great violence of war

In their lands

In their homes

At work

On the streets

And many a time

At play

Be rest assured

We feel your pain

Next time

You're in a bind

By all means

Take a minute…

The aftermath

Of a relay

In a pre-

Determined race

With a gilded baton

Seamlessly

Changing hands

For years

I longed to "go home".

Stomping ground of

A happy childhood

Countless fun times

Important life lessons

Pampering, privilege

Family, friends

Acquaintances, foes…

to find oneself
In the public eye

With little

To show for it

Is to invite

A scrutiny

That can scar

Scare and set

Noses wrinkling and

Tongues wagging.