by Steve Bremner

November 5 (Guy Fawkes Night/Firework Night in the UK) “is also known as Bonfire Night. Effigies
are thrown on the fires—traditionally of Guy Fawkes, but sometimes of other unpopular people, such
as certain politicians or soccer players.”
—The Mercury News

“Please to remember the Fifth of November…”
—Trad. British rhyme

(with apologies to Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt)

Please to remember the kind of November
When news was slow and oh, so mellow.
Please to remember the kind of November
When neither Reds nor Blues were yellow.
Please to remember the kind of November
When pols saw their lessons and strove to learn them.
If you remember, then model your Member,
And burn them.

Deep in December, it’s wise to remember
That soccer’s on, though snow is flying.
Deep in December, it’s wise to remember
The “fool” who flubbed, still out there trying.
Deep in December, it’s wise to remember
That some we’ll forgive, but some others, spurn them.
Only December? Can’t wait for November
To burn them.