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AI-generated graphic by NightCafé for The New Verse News. |
“I’m throwing a Party,” the Mad Hater decreed,
“And it’s only for those of Certain High Breed.
The workers and riff-raff will not be allowed
We’ll clear this Great Land of such unwanted crowds.
We’ll send them all packing to back where they came
And build big border walls in Liberty’s name.”
He wanted the people meek and afraid,
Instead they came chanting and dancing, they prayed.
They flocked to the aid of their neighbors and friends,
They poured through the streets, angry crowds without end.
“Criminals!” the Mad Hater shouted with venom,
“Violent assassins, we’re going to get ‘em!”
He called out his proud boys, his goons and his gnome,
Said, “Smash their car windows, crash into their homes.
You’re breaking no laws if you do what I say,
My Words are the only Law you must obey.
But these people with cameras and signs in their hands
Are the worst of the worst, destroying our Land.
Arresting them all is how we stay Free,
Anyone is a traitor who doesn’t agree!”
The people still came with their banners and songs,
Would not be defeated, they knew right from wrong.
Then, “Off with their masks!” the large crowd declared,
“Let’s see why these big men are so terribly scared
Of children and mothers and men holding phones,
It makes them all trembly right down to their bones.
Their pepper and guns are no match for such threats
As inflatable frogs and knitters in sweats,
And pink dancing sharks and sweet unicorns,
And kids banging drums and blowing on horns!”
With all this distraction, this hullaballoo,
The Hater was pleased by something he knew.
He rubbed his small hands and gave a sly smile,
“At least they’ve forgotten about those damn Files!”
Lisa Shulman is a poet, children’s book author, and teacher. Her poetry has appeared in Sheila-na-gig, About Place, Anacapa Review, Inkfish, Kitchen Table Quarterly, ONE ART, The New Verse News, and elsewhere. She is the author of the poetry chapbook Fragile Bones, Fierce Heart. A Pushcart nominee, Lisa teaches poetry with California Poets in the Schools, and workshops for women in recovery.
