Villanelle of the Political Conventions

By Esther Cameron

(2000; mutatis mutandis…)

We watch the politicians on parade

Through the balloon- and promise-crowded air.

We do not know what bargains have been made.

Their lines are smoothed of all that might abrade

A voter’s sensibilities anywhere.

We watch the politicians on parade

For decent (but free) speech, free (but fair) trade,

Fire that will not burn.  Buyer beware:

We do not know what bargains have been made,

We do not know what interests have paid

For all those videos that show they care.

We watch the politicians on parade

With family feelings prominently displayed,

Spreading arms wide or lifting them in prayer.

We do not know what bargains have been made.

We are not in this game that’s being played

For somewhat higher stakes than we can spare.

We watch the politicians on parade.

We do not know what bargains have been made.