A Providence, Rhode Island philosopher whom I know, a long-time admirer of Mark Twain, urges me to submit his poem to the Forum. It features an appearance of Huck Finn in good company. The poem's author is the founder of SOB (Stamp Out Bushism). I am a member. Here is the poem: The Cave I shuck a large Vidalia onion Destined for dicing in my tuna salad Globular, naked, cleanly aromatic Unmistakably transparent for what it is. I find a bird's nest wind-blown to earth Filament-woven, a deep circular haven Two small white eggs tucked warmly within. Perfect, I think: Nature's design, creation, and disposal. Having disentangled its roots I plant a dwarf apple tree The baby now stands alone before me Its graft swells above-ground in sun-lit promise: Man's wisdom for shaping the good life on earth Had made me midwife to a natural prodigy. I read the Cave scene in Plato's Republlic I see humans massed in underground gloom Staring at shadows on bleak barren walls-- That somber reality their lot to know While unseen above, life's Ideal Forms shine: Plato's lasting gift in its loftiest garb. I'm living still with the drifter Huck Finn Born in a world divided and hate-filled He soaks up his mentors' fear-stained morality But while adrift on the god-like Mississippi In loving friendship and self-abnegation His heart speaks its truth, and acting upon it He lives as a hero in the Greek's ideal realm. Man tries to glimpse the ideal in the real The way things might be, as in Plato's ideal Or in nature's plan But shadows still rule within mankind's cave. Today we watch the shadows of shadows We gaze transfixed at TV's man-made shades We learn what is real from reality shows We Rush to judgment in talk radio We are serfs to the lords of free enterprise, Convincing us we want whatever they pitch As they swear their "passion" to meet all our needs. Today we are told that violence and war Will bring peace and freedom everywhere. As thousands are slaughtered we clap our hands We honor our own battlefield heroes While closeted in their dark and secret cave Our leaders contrive, grant favors, and deceive.