I was working on a poem to send to Rattle Poets Respond, which is an online series from Rattle in which poets submit new work based on something that happened in the news that week. I was literally on the last step to submit this poem when my daughter E, who lives in London, UK, told me that Liz Truss was about to make a statement. I delayed hitting send and, in those few minutes, the poem became moot. Still, I thought it was worth sharing here as a moment in time.
Liz Truss or Lettuce
Which will last longer?
asks the Daily Star.
On Day One, the iceberg
is unadorned, but soon
enhanced with googly
eyes, a smile,
sprouts a full head
of blonde hair.
While the PM dodges
questions, sheds
Cabinet ministers,
the lettuce tries to stay
fresh, despite the spotlight,
enjoys snacks, a glass
of wine, some tofu
on day six, a nod
to the departed
Home Secretary.
The bookies’ current
odds are 1 / 2
that Liz will outlast
the lettuce.
Place your bets
before it’s too late.
Rattle also requests an explanatory note and links to the news stories involved. This is what I had prepared:
With the government of UK Prime Minister Liz Truss in turmoil, the Daily Star has a livestream of her photo beside an increasingly adorned head of lettuce. Brits seem to have a special talent for finding humor in any situation. A clip explaining the Home Secretary/tofu connection can be found here.
If anyone is moved to share this post or poem, please include my name, Joanne Corey. I hope it will give people a smile or chuckle, however rueful.
Lettuce wins!
Top of JC's Mind 