Catherine Chandler's Poetry Blog

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Madison Street: Realpolitik

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realpolitik

 

Autumn 1960.  First foray

into the world of party politics.

As neighbors hang their posters up, I flinch—

amid the sea of signs for JFK

ours is the only house displaying Dick’s

bushy brows and slogan. He’s a cinch

to win, a shoo-in, father firmly states,

claiming Nixon’s won all four debates.

For weeks, I am an outcast at my school

where Sister Agnes has us pray so that

Jack Kennedy will win. The ridicule

redoubles once the charming Democrat

becomes our 35th. My mom, no fool,

in February buys a pillbox hat.

 

 


 

 

 

 

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