Once upon a dreary time,
Those who would be president
Tapped the country’s discontent
To make a brand new paradigm.
 
Two candidates talked policy,
And with each other disagreed.
Though each, of course, wants to succeed,
Neither descends to lunacy.
 
Six or eight, though, parody
An elementary schoolyard brawl.
Except for two, they all look small,
And most should be in custody!
 
Since when have our fine citizens
Made virtue of belligerence?
Applauded insult, ignorance,
And made us bitter partisans?
 
We do not make a finer land
By cutting other people down.
We’ve always tried to win renown
By wanting virtue to expand.
 
We get the leaders we deserve.
Do we deserve bombast and hate?
If so, then we’ll be lately great;
We’ll leave no goodness to preserve.
 
Lawrence A. Jones
Bristol