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Epigram

These are short poems that are usually satirical and make some comment about a particular political cause or party or society in general. They usually end with a punch line, sometimes humourous, sometimes scathing. This type of poem can be very moving when they are written well by someone who feels passionately about the subject. Here is a witty epigram from Roman times by Martial:

Readers and listeners praise my books;

You swear they're worse than a beginner's.

Who cares? I always plan my dinners

To please the diners, not the cooks.