Hard-Luck Stories

Pack up all their care and woe,
There they go,
Plunging low,
Beebe blackbirds.
That is where in Arkansas,
Newton’s law, means last caw,
Bye, bye, blackbirds.

Gods Below

My New Year’s wish 2011,
For U.N. delegates and heaven,
Is, by this time 2012,
Belief in one God we’ll all shelve.

A polytheist pact would note
That, much more than Jehovah smote,
Extremist deadly plots have swirled
In Allah’s name around the world.

Michael Redux

Vick rhymes with sick and other slurs
That don’t require mention here.
What’s mattered most is what occurs
Upon resuming his career—
Not killing dogs that wouldn’t fight
By means that decency benight.

Going in Peace

Within our health conglomerate,
Those fighting change are quick to say,
If functionaries’ wants are met,
They’ll single out who’ll go or stay:
In balder terms, who lives or dies
According to what costs arise.

A Crying Shame

John Boehner, Speaker of the House
When Congress next month reconvenes,
Sheds tears as though he wants to dowse
Appearances by any means
He doesn’t wish our children well
And rather’s cynical as hell.

Get that Judge an Actuary

If we need not insure our health,
As now one U.S. judge decrees,
Why must we also squander wealth
On automobile policies,
At least before we’re sick or hurt?
The answer is: we’d lose our shirt.