BBC NEWS | South Asia | Pakistan deletes 'pro-Bush' poem

BBC NEWS | South Asia | Pakistan deletes 'pro-Bush' poem: "Pakistan's government is to remove a poem from a school textbook after it emerged the first letters of each line spelt out "President George W Bush".

The anonymous poem, called The Leader, appeared in a recent English-language course book for 16 year-olds.

Critics say it praises Mr Bush. Its rhyming couplets describe someone "solid as steel, strong in his faith".

Officials cannot explain how the poem entered the curriculum. Pupils are being told to ignore it.



The textbook is due to be reprinted next year.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4501132.stm



(copy of the poem)



THE LEADER by anonymous



Patient and steady with all he must bear,

Ready to meet every challenge with care,

Easy in manner, yet solid as steel,

Strong in his faith, refreshingly real.

Isn't afraid to propose what is bold,

Doesn't conform to the usual mould,

Eyes that have foresight, for hindsight won't do,

Never backs down when he sees what is true,

Tells it all straight, and means it all too.



Going forward and knowing he's right,

Even when doubted for why he would fight,

Over and over he makes his case clear,

Reaching to touch the ones who won't hear.

Growing in strength he won't be unnerved,

Ever assuring he'll stand by his word.



Wanting the world to join his firm stand,



Bracing for war, but praying for peace,

Using his power so evil will cease,

So much a leader and worthy of trust,

Here stands a man who will do what he must."