This past Halloween week
In Washington was eerie.
For some in particular
The atmosphere was dreary.

Dressed up in their holiday best--
Though feeling somewhat slighted--
Manafort and protégé Gates
Both were indicted.

George Papadopoulos caused
Jitters and frustration
As proactive collaborator
In Mueller's investigation.

John Kelly's reputation
Has really started to slump
Since he's donned the costume of
A puppet of Donald Trump.

Kelly said--and this caused people
To gasp and roll their eyes--
The Civil War was caused by
A failure to compromise.

Compromise on slavery?
Tell me how that's done?
Instead of having forty-two slaves,
You get twenty-one?

Jeff Sessions’ costume made
The beholder have to guess
Whether it was perjury
Or handy forgetfulness.

Trump presented himself as a man
Whose memory is the best--
At least until reporters put
His memory to a test.

He laments that he can't do
What he wants, and that
Means not being president but
A powerful autocrat.

Republicans in Congress, dressed
As scary goblins and ghouls,
Put forth a tax plan, which
Changes many rules.

If you carefully look at their draft
And see through their pitch,
You will see their plan basically
Favors the very rich.

Halloween was far from being
Bland or ordinary.
One could argue that this year
It was downright scary.

-by Bob B (11-4-17)