by John Branning

“Trump Suggests He Knows He Can’t Run Again: ‘It’s Too Bad'”
—The New York Times

I can’t run again… That’s a shame, it’s too bad—
when I’ve been the best POTUS that you’ve ever had.
I would not be allowed, based on what some have said
(though I’ve heard I could run as the VP instead).

But I won’t use that loophole, I think it’s too cute.
And the POTUS, not Veep, holds the clout absolute.
I think Marco would make a good Prez, or else Vance.
(It’s a real goddamn shame I can’t get a third chance.)

Continuing past ‘28 surely beckons,
but of all the Amendments, the damn 22nd’s
the reason I’ll have to leave office unwillingly
(There must be an end-run; you know this is killing me…)

My polls are the highest, my fame is white-hot.
And I had one term stolen, in case you forgot.
The economy’s great, with the stock market high.
In the POTUS ranks, folks—I’m your Number One guy.

Now, that pesky Amendment? I’d just like to strengthen it:
forget a third term; take the second and lengthen it.
For those who object, I’d most likely respond that
I’ll rule ‘til I’m dead—and a few years beyond that.