Political Poem

by Mark Goldblatt (May 2011)

Last week, unannounced, came a new Declaration,

From realms of white-whine and of lipo-sucked abs:

“Let us be your compass, your instant salvation,”

Signed Rosie and Robbins and Baldwin and Babs.

“Who better than us to speak for the masses–

The have-nots oppressed by ravenous haves?

We’ve suffered through Method and cardio-classes,”

Signed Rosie and Robbins and Baldwin and Babs.

“We hurt for the homeless, we know what it’s like

To long for the lobster and settle for crabs;

No strangers, not us, to thwarted desires,”

Signed Rosie and Robbins and Baldwin and Babs.

“To persons of color—Yo, girlfriend! Yo, homes!

Mad props in your struggle to hail yellow cabs;

From inside our limos, we down with the movement,”

Signed Rosie and Robbins and Baldwin and Babs.

“It’s all about children, and fairness, and closure,

It’s all about government picking up tabs;

It’s dealing with issues, not being judgmental,”

Signed Rosie and Robbins and Baldwin and Babs.

“What’s needed are passionate leaders committed

To consciousness-raising, reform and . . . egads!

It’s seven already? We’re late for the shrink!”

Signed Rosie and Robbins and Baldwin and Babs.

Mark Goldblatt’s latest novel, SLOTH, was published last summer by Greenpoint Press. Email: [email protected]

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