Skerry

(on the the Democratic National Convention, Boston, July 2004)

In preface to his missive on Galatians,
Martin Luther in 1531
Said of the Anabaptists and the Papists
That though they look in opposite directions
And outwardly profess to be great foes,
They think, teach, and defend one and the same,
As foxes tied together by the tails.

So too, Republicans and Democrats.
These were the words of Kerry: "I will wage
This war. We'll add more troops, provide them with
The newest weapons and technology,
And we'll deploy our military might
Here on our shores, for every town and city's
Homeland security." Likewise said Edwards:

"You cannot run. You cannot hide. Through strength
And courage we will win this war, protect
Our freedoms in Iraq, and we shall make
Our military stronger to defeat
Each enemy in this new world. We will
Maintain the image of America,
Of freedom, human rights, democracy."

No thirst for peace, no prospect of debate,
No mention of deplete uranium,
Of ballot-rigging, torture, false internment,
Nor of the PATRIOT Act nor media lies,
Israel's barbarity, nor Haiti's rape.
Though delegates cried loud at every phrase,
They could have served George Bush such empty praise.

August 2, 2004