Inspired by some newsworthy housing issues involving corruption in Downtown L.A. that for some reason aren't getting any Press...it may also have a broader relevance to various consumer-rights related issues.

The keeper of the gate was only half-awake
while guards played cards in leotards
with someone on the take

He gave away the keys and turned the other way
as jackals scurried by his post
chasing down their prey

After their first feeding they greased his dirty hand
He smiled through his blind eyes
and asked them back again

When approached by bloody victims
with indifference he replied
"It's all your fault just being here
so don't come back inside"

"Y'see the jackals are my friends
they helped build this gate
I don't give a damn about you
or what you have to say
You're just a paying tenant
and there's many more like you.
I'll piss on you and your's
It's the best that I can do.
So count yourselves as lucky
I don't throw you in the street.
Now go away, don't bother me
next time the jackals feed"

The wounded turned and walked away
wondering if the price they'd pay
was worth the fight to claim their rights 
and honor that was stripped that day

They gathered all the records
and formed a choir of thought
to prove that they were victims
of an inside job

Their voices sang in harmony
to a council of antipathy
who shunned the bad publicity
and with no apology
won back their rights
to live their lives
with heads held high
in dignity...

with no keeper and assurance 
the jackals
would no longer feed