Political Persuasions

They were happily wed for fifty years but a dilemma that nettled, Was their differing political leanings that they never, ever settled! Every time a local or national election cycle approached, The battle began as the virtues of their candidates were broached! The donkey was the symbol of the party espoused by Ma. The elephant was the emblem of the party championed by Pa. They agreed on how to raise the kids and on matters of religion, But to agree on political affairs? Nary one little smidgen! For generations Ma's leanings were in-bred, she'd never convert. Pa held similar feelings, his beloved party he'd never desert! The slightest mention of the attributes of the opposing candidate, Would spark another inflammatory table-pounding debate! The outcome of elections they'd both eagerly anticipate. Invariably one of them gloated, leaving the losing one irate! If the man steering the ship of state committed a silly dido, The loser danced with glee saying, "Didn't I tell you so!" Their eternal battle even continued beyond each hallowed grave, As on separate stones these epitaphs they did engrave: "Here a Democrat lies! A lovely wife with the wrong party ties!" "Here a Republican lies! A loving spouse but politically unwise!" Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)