San Gabriel Valley Poetry Quarterly

David Bortin

Keep Your Mitts Off the White House

Shall I compare thee to a president?

Republican, from back when that was good.
“Of, by and for the people” government
Must never perish, Lincoln understood.
 
While you proclaim your business acumen,
“Of, by and for the owners” is your creed.
We all know that’s how businesses are run--
The opposite of good governments’ need.
 
But when you tried (and yes, I think you tried)
To govern “for the people” of your state,
Your heart and soul were never on our side;
To ownership was all you could relate.
 
Your efforts lost the right, your deeds the left.
You’ll pay to spin a program so bereft.