Poems of the Week

The Pirates of Penance

by Dan Campion

“Vote for love.”
—The president

My hearties, what does Love mean now,
From stem to topmast, keel to bow?
We never have to say, “I’m sorry”!
Aye! Three cheers for the Grand Old Party:
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!

Who must we thank, my shipmates dear?
Why you, Dear Captain! Never fear:
It’s only you we idolize.
You taught us, “Don’t Apologize”!
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!

How true, although, courageous crew,
I taught what you already knew—
Oh, no, sir! We said “sorry,” once—
Avast! Confession marks a dunce!
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!