Second-Rate Rose
(From The Triumph of Strife: an homage to Dante Alighieri and Percy Shelley)

A change in the régime seems overdue
As this one has imploded on its own
Its many unforced errors prove it true

That no case for its own self has it shown
It classifies as secret every fact
And then discovers every secret blown

It cannot seem to straighten up its act
Because it only campaign ads can make
While inquiries it chooses to redact

So none can tell the factual from fake
And policy gives way to politics
Its thirst for raw revenge it cannot slake

On “enemies” the dogs of war it sics
Then feigns offense to find its victim kicks