big test

Two bills Pelosi sent up from the House
adjure the Senate to deliberate.
Two sparks McConnell fiercely wants to douse
before the Light of Truth can propagate.
But--in impeachment--Justice would preside
John Roberts takes the seat from the VP.
By oath, he mustn't favor any side
entrusted with the High Court's legacy.
"Two thirds" is still a daunting hill to climb;
Trump's faction keeps their thumbs firm in their ears.
If once we were to prosecute his crimes
some might vote more on ethics than on fears.
Imperfect vessels of our highest trust
could yet prove our republic's been a bust.

Balance of Power

As Alexander Hamilton explained:
a faction might refuse to see the flaw
in crimes as crass as Trumpty's in Ukraine.
They'd hold "their" president above the Law.
James Madison hoped we could dodge these snares:
A growing Union's vast diversity
could mean there's no majority clique there
to trample Justice chasing Unity.
Tripartite government should be a "stool"
to balance Palace 'gainst the People's Halls.
But institutions can't make men of fools
and Mitch McConnell seems have no balls.
Enlightenment's experiment could fail
if we don't send this orange ass to jail.

irrecoverable

The seat McConnell stole can't be redressed
if institutions are to stay intact.
Although a court of nine might be deemed best,
temptation's strong to see this one get packed.
Let Sanders nominate a judge (or ten)!
Pat Leahy's Senate would applaud and sign.
The Roberts Court's been short a few good men
to keep the neo-fascist wing in line...
But eight years hence, the tide could swing around
a new administration might riposte
to seat another dozen unfit clowns.
Decorum on the High Court would be toast.
No scholar would contend this was what's meant
when Senators are asked to give consent.

Parties are a bug, not a feature

What Hamilton most feared has come to pass;
one faction holds the Senate in our times
defending tribally it's arrant ass
ignoring evidence of his high crimes.
No public spirit motivates their ranks;
Each votes as Mitch McConnell says they ought.
Unswerving minions to Big Oil and Banks,
their honor has been weighed and--cheaply--bought.
Four dozen voices; scarce a single brain,
Murkowski stands alone, expressing doubt
whose interests got served in the Ukraine.
For which she's urged to "shut up" and "get out".
Appeal to Heaven's still our last resort
if Congress can't comport as fits a court.

uncharted

Impeachment mechanisms are right there;
the House indicts, the Senate tries the case.
Already, Hamilton smelled factions' snare;
allegiances could shrink to just one's "base".
"Ambition must be made to counter-act..."
James Madison refused to give up hope.
Tripartite government could work in fact
(unless we'd vest high office in a dope).
But still, some failures couldn't be foreseen.
A Congress so deficient in its pride--
subservient to White House's machine
--could fail to take the sov'reign People's side.
The Framers sketched no  roadmap for this mess;
the seat McConnell stole leaves no redress.

growth

While Esau bedded every girl around,
their mother's apron-strings kept Jacob home.
There wasn't room for both in any town
so now, he'll seek adventure on his own.
The paths his father never got to tread,
his mother maps out in her hasty scheme.
New angels to vouchsafe the road ahead
sign in to take their posts within his dream.
Tout-suite, a boy-meets-girl scene at the well
his feisty cousin's quite the lively catch!
But Laban's unsurprised at tales he'll tell;
this adolescent trickster's met his match.
Let Edom lay to rest the old bad blood
embracing his late-blooming brother stud.

coming out

While Esau bedded every girl around,
his brother Jacob cuddled with a book.
There wasn't room for both in any town
but Rivkah had made sure each learned to cook.
The road his father never got to tread
his mother maps out in her hasty scheme.
New angels to vouchsafe the road ahead
sign in to take their posts within his dream.
Tout-suite, a boy-meets-girl scene at the well
his cousin's manifestly a fine catch
But Laban's unsurprised at tales he'll tell;
this adolescent trickster's met his match.
Let Edom lay to rest the old bad blood
embracing his late-blooming brother stud.