Volte-Face
(Sonnet on Senator James M. Jeffords' announcement
he is leaving the Republican Party, May 24, 2001)
Before embarking on his one-man spree
To rob the nations of their pastures green,
The chief had pledged bipartisan to be,
But now digests the venom of his spleen.
For one good senator's courageous bid
To stand for conscience, though it cost him dear,
The G.O.P.'s majority undid,
Restoring Bush's prospects to the rear.
In zeal to quash all moderate dissent,
The White House once resolved to silence him
By meting out censure and punishment,
But now is stung by giant-killing Jim.
Although I seek no hatred to promote,
The urge is irresistible to gloat.
May 2001
|
