2023 NaPM 17 April

[dukealien]

Without Apostrophe


Perhaps it always was mistaken
to idolize George Washington.

Yes, he was great and indispensable
what with his leadership, his precedents,
and his almost unbearable honesty
and humility.

But as a republic, not a protectorate
or some other dodge to avoid
self rule and self-control,
is it seemly that we should have needed
not just the bright and bold–
Jefferson, Franklin, and an Adams or three–
but a leader so superior?

It’s all fine if you believe in Providence
as he did.
But if you don’t, if you believe in
bending arcs of history
you can explain Washington
but not his existence.

So let us have a Presidents Day
without apostrophe
and try to forget the indispensable
by pretending every politician
who lost himself in Washington’s shoes
deserves the same respect.