They Campaign in Poetry but Govern in Prose…Rev Seth Kunkpe

They Campaign in Poetry but Govern in Prose…Rev Seth Kunkpe

Politics, like life, has two faces—one radiant with hope and promises, and the other burdened by the weight of reality. The phrase “We campaign in poetry but govern in prose” captures this duality perfectly. It speaks to the contrast between the lyrical, inspiring rhetoric of political campaigns and the grounded, often harsh, realities of governance. Coined by former New York Governor Mario Cuomo, this mantra remains relevant in political discourse and serves as a reminder that while the poetry of politics inspires, the prose of governance demands action, compromise, and pragmatism.The action is where the real work is.

Campaigns: The Language of Inspiration

During campaigns, politicians speak in sweeping visions and lofty ideals, painting vivid pictures of a brighter future full of Hope. The campaign trail is the stage for poetic promises—a land of “what could be.” These promises inspire hope, mobilize the masses, and ignite passion and fire. The speeches are often laced with carefully chosen words that stir the heart and resonate deeply with the aspirations of voters. Campaigns have never been sad moments. It is always full of pump and purgeantry

Campaign poetry is necessary. It gives citizens something to believe in—a vision to rally around. Politicians, like poets, become the voice of collective dreams. They promise to eradicate poverty, improve education, create jobs, and make society fairer. It is beautiful, uplifting, and motivating. Who won’t want a society full of the goodies of life?

Governance: The Reality of Execution

When the campaign ends and governance begins, the poetry often fades, replaced by the hard prose of practicality and policy. Governing is not about sweeping declarations; it is about balancing budgets, negotiating with opposition parties, managing crises, and making difficult decisions that may not please everyone. The prose of governance is detail-oriented, tedious, and very difficult. It is the time to deliver.

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The promises made during campaigns collide with fiscal realities coupled with competing interests, whether personal or cooperate. Leaders must shift from the role of visionary poets to pragmatic managers. It requires compromise, patience, and often a willingness to embrace the unpopular for the sake of the greater good. This is the difficult part for politicians but they will often still make people believe they can do everything.

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Striking a Balance

The best leaders understand the need for both poetry and prose. While campaign poetry is essential for inspiring change, the prose of governance builds the foundation for lasting transformation. Successful governance is about translating poetic ideals into actionable policies. It is the art of turning vision into reality—however messy that process may be.

Conclusion

The mantra “We campaign in poetry but govern in prose” is a cautionary yet hopeful reminder for both leaders and citizens. Leaders must strive to remain true to their poetic ideals while navigating the prose of reality. Citizens, on the other hand, must hold leaders accountable while understanding the complexity of governance. In the end, the poetry inspires us, but it is the prose that changes our lives.

To add to, this is not only for politicians but for every body. We often make nice promise and pledges to ourselves and to people which we often fail to deliver on

This is a warning not only to the politician but all of us. Let’s be guided to do what we have promised .

For the love of God, society and young people
Blessings

Rev Seth Agbeli Kunkpe
Penfromafar… writing to make things Right