After the Election
shana ross
76
While we were trying to remember how to chit chat
Cocktail conversation pinned under the rubble
I told a story that led to someone quoting
A comedian, a movie, a catchphrase, a running gag
Your consent is not required
And I said, remember last Monday, when that was
still funny?
We laughed and did not cry, because we are better
at being
Polite instead of honest with each other,
In the presence of nice clothes and a crowd.
We are mad, but we are also mad
To think our manners mean we are preserving
some essential American self.