To a Certain Controversial Public Personality

Insulting social convention
Has been your stock in trade,
But I doubt you’ll be forgiven
The scandal you’ve now made.

Iconoclasm’s brought you fame
But now you’ve gone too far.
Your days may well be numbered
As a multi-media star.

You’ve sailed close to the wind before,
You’ve cut it mighty fine.
But now you’ve really done it,
You’ve really crossed the line.

They’ve loved your every outrage,
Whoever you’ve cursed or kissed,
But they’ll not love your latest words:
“When I was an atheist . . .”

—Hal G. P. Colebatch