As you will no doubt recall, a few days ago I announced a competition in which a signed copy of Rachel Maddow’s new book about America and the military, “Drift,” would go to the author of the best limerick on roughly that subject.
There were many very fine entries – you can read them on these two threads – but of course, there can only be one winner. This limerick is both a fine example of the limerick form and, more importantly, a concise and witty comment on precisely the problem that Maddow is writing about – that America as a country is getting uncomfortably comfortable with the idea of perpetually being at war.
Perpetual war is a Godsend
To an empire nearing its wits end.
While our legions deploy
To distract and destroy,
We work, shop and live for the weekend.
The winner, whosmindingdemint, gets the signed copy of Drift – please email me at david at bluemassgroup dot com with your shipping info!
We have also named a runner-up, bean, who offered this solid contribution:
The American military casts a long shadow
Is the argument of a new book by Maddow.
In the pages of Drift,
She details the rift
Between leading with ideals or with ammo.
Bean gets an unsigned copy of “Drift” – please email me your shipping info.
Congratulations to the winner and runner-up, and thanks to everyone for participating!