Spreadsheets and paperwork
all done up in care
Wrapped up next year’s budget
in amazing detail
It’s time to report
that all is quite well
I’ve jolly support
and am gladdened to tell:
I’ll issue a Merry Christmas
I’ll issue a Merry Christmas
I’ll issue a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!
All properly done in triplicate form
1999-XMAS-9-OPM (modified)
You’re entitled by law to a modicum of cheer
we’ll assign you a relatively good New Year
We’re closing the office and
locking the door
I think there’s a shutdown
and can’t disclose more
But…
I’ll issue a Merry Christmas
I’ll issue a Merry Christmas
I’ll issue a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!
For Them
For those who died in muddy fields
or pressed on through the jungle
or those that fought up rocky hills
and found eternal slumber
They served, some died
they knew the deal
that blood secures our time
that freedom’s bells will peal
But now we cannot stand alone
apart from one another
we have to help each other up
as sisters and as brothers
A house divided cannot stand
a lesson paid in blood
we’ll have to learn another time
if we betray their trust
For those who served and only wept
instead of being buried
Who wait and wonder if
we forgot why they stood for us
We need to pay them back in coin
that only patriots earn
with unity and loyalty
to the Union that they served
Drumbeat
It’s in your head
the endless thrum
So many dead
and more to come
Jobs have left
and jobs returned
The poor look up
entreaties spurned
Stuff in the street
from jobless folks
To make an omelet
you break some yolks
The beat goes on
there is no end
Hope flees the scene
and madness trends
We blame each other
and people dance
To see the split
between our brothers
So turn it off
and lift your head
Work for the good
and mourn the dead
Pick up the pieces
and heal yourself
Give in to your
much better self
Time to reach out
to the other side
We already know
too many died
Sweep up the ruins
without a fuss
Build it back
for all of us
Spousal
She reclines and settles
the ache inside she knows
thinking of others
her own desires deferred
children and partner
compelled to adore
She reaches and sighs
the day is long and hard
for working and loving
these times to overcome
a malaise and temper
difficult to discard
Four soldiers make a team
strangers on a line
orders called out urgently
the wind is too cold