Calvin Trillin: Deadline Poet

Pub date November 23, 2009
SectionBruce Blog

GOP Candidate, pushed by right, ends upstate bid

–The New York Times

The GOP’s chief commissars had heard

That there was trouble in the 23rd:

Though every county chairman there had voted

For Dede Scozzafava, it was noted

That she, though certainly a high achiever,

Was not, in fact, a zealous true believer.

If any of the canon caused her doubt,

That justified their push to throw her out.

All commissars need neither rhyme nor reason.

They know that deviation’s always treason.