Fall’s colorful trees will soon be bare.
Storms will close roads, fell power lines.
Homes will be dark and cold.
Spring’s barren fields will bloom
if only we till the soil
and sow the seeds of a better life for all.
Summer and winter are different,
but they share a saving grace —
neither inspires a political party.

The right wrote letters to raise money
while Souter’s resignation was a seed.
As it began to sprout, they went out.
Before Obama finished his short list,
Rushies had a long one of objections
to any contender he might render.
They branded the nominee “unabashed
liberal” before they knew her name.
So, why couldn’t the president pick one?

Obama’s hearing voices, quiet during his campaign.
They explain the facts of life
now that he’s beyond the reach of voters.
He must break old promises like bad habits,
because his new life brings constituents
with different needs to satisfy:
Wall Street gets the money, auto makers not so much;
health care stays in front, but way to the right of center;
redefine [...]

The idea of a judge with sympathy
terrifies Senate Republicans.
Like jam on an English muffin, understanding
could spread through the Supreme Court,
filling all the nooks and crannies
with sticky liberal goodness.
They think that might undermine
current strict constructionists,
who keep individuals from trampling
the rights of institutions,
by giving them another chance
to compare sweet with sour.