The bribe

A poor farmer and rich rancher had a very bitter dispute

Each claimed the same piece of land which the other did refute

This put them before the judge, who sent them to arbitration

But neither would budge, both preferring litigation

The farmer thought of nothing else all day, and at night he couldn’t sleep

The rancher snarled “cost what it may, this land I intend to keep”

Spending all the money he had, a cheap lawyer the farmer found

For my children, things are real bad, please help me keep this piece of ground

My children are small and sick and we have no where else to go

The rancher doesn’t need this land and his horses trample what I grow

Although poor, if His Honor would in favor of me decide

I’d make him a present of a bore, cow, or horse that he could ride

My God! the lawyer said, you have no idea of what you’re saying

In jail you will make your bed if the judge you’re thinking of paying

This judge is a strict, religious man, of a family old and respected

Not a blemish in his honesty since he began not a flaw detected

A moralist of the highest degree such a thing would offend his pride

And as you can see, this would give sure victory to the other side.

Finally, as time went by the day arrived for the verdict to be delivered

Looking the farmer in the eye, the judge’s voice never quivered

This land is yours he said and with this his lawyer scratched his head

Something’s strange in this verdict read, this case was too easily pled.

After picturing my child hungry and homeless without a shoe

The farmer said so mild, I did just what I told you I was going to do

Said the lawyer I’ll bet my diploma that in this ointment there’s a fly,

This has a bad aroma, I was certain this judge you couldn’t buy

The farmer said I too am surprised, This I have to confess

I was afraid that in giving him the gift disguised I’d made a terrible mess

I went to town sending the judge my only horse that wasn’t lame

He watched the lawyer frown then said “I sent it in the rancher’s name"

Reviews

[abbypullanlitandpoetry]

This poem tells a clever folk tale with a satisfying twist ending that really pays off - the farmer's solution of sending the bribe in the rancher's name is genuinely brilliant and unexpected. The moral complexity is interesting too, as it presents a situation where technically corrupt means achieve a just end. The rhyme scheme is consistent throughout and helps drive the narrative forward with good momentum.
However, the poem suffers from several technical issues that detract from its storytelling power. The meter is quite uneven, with lines that feel either rushed or padded to fit the rhyme scheme. Lines like "But neither would budge, both preferring litigation" feel awkward and forced. There are also no line breaks within the couplets, which is fine stylistically, but some longer lines really need breathing room - like "My children are small and sick and we have no where else to go" could benefit from internal breaks to help the rhythm.
Some of the rhymes are quite forced as well - "quivered/delivered" works but feels strained, and there are moments where the syntax gets twisted purely to accommodate the rhyme. The dialogue attribution could be clearer too, as it's sometimes difficult to follow who's speaking, especially in the final exchanges between the farmer and lawyer.
The poem would benefit from either embracing a more consistent folk ballad style with simpler, more natural language, or adding some strategic line breaks to help the pacing. But the core narrative here is genuinely engaging and that twist ending is worth the journey - it's the kind of story that sticks with you.

[Soren]

Thank you for the critique it is most appreciated and helpful. Thank you for taking the time

[Neha agrawal]

Brilliant poem with a bite of irony! The moral twist at the end is both hilarious and haunting — a powerful reflection on justice, perception, and cleverness under pressure. Loved the pacing and build-up. This reads like a folk tale with a modern heart.

[Soren]

Thank you so much for your review and most supportive words of encouragement