Your Independent Journal from the Heartland
It’s time for “good riddance” to year ‘24 We can’t wait to see it depart through the door. COVID’s been tamed but bird flu appears And climate calamity rapidly nears. I don’t blame the voters, we all have our views And climate has never been first on the news. After decades of warning from folks who do studies We now see the Arctic thaw deep and get muddy. Turn the thermostat down, put on a sweater, Save power, save money, buy local, feel better. As the Biden days wane to the smallest statistic, It may be Bob’s right and we all are autistic. But enough of that stuff and hey here’s the point The Orange One retreats when he feels out of joint. In his circle, remember, no women or gays Ivy Leaguers and White men for day after day. “Boot lickers” we taunted, Fox News said, “Don’t panic. He’ll find you some Blacks and perhaps a Hispanic” And eventually, yes, they finally appeared Though we haven’t seen any to whom we’re endeared, Female Rollins in Ag, Latin Rubio for State, After Matt was discredited, Adios, Gaetz. As for Labor we see it’s a two-for-one story Chavez-DeRemer, whose first name is Lori. You see, Orange One responds to our side’s constant wheedles His vanity says he’ll relocate the needles The polls that meter the public opinion Increasing, he thinks, his banner’s dominion. And if you’ve had luck, you’ve had the good fortune To never be raped and need an abortion Then things are just fine and the budget’s extended, As the fat one prepares that’s what he intended. Along with the budget, the farm bill keeps going. Good thing for John Deere with so many guys owing. An extra 10 billion for big farm accounts, Poor folks in small towns will see no amount. Both sides need the budget, that much is clear But Biden is jit’ry, his last day draws near. Hands out medals and pardons, we’ll see to what ends, Please pardon the immigrants, some of them friends. We’re anxious for Gaza and Israel’s lobby Sad for Ukraine and nervous ‘bout Bobby. I have neighbors that think that we can’t last much more Their Savior is coming, the dead will all soar On heavenly wings singing psalms of high praise. I sure hope they’re wrong, we’ve got kiddos to raise. What can we tell them, the next generations? “Remember your manners. Don’t fall for temptations Like A.I. and Crypto, fake news and clones And ominous squadrons of alien drones.” Now, while the oceans grow too hot for fishes, It’s time for a list of the nation’s next wishes For D’s set some goals and remember you owe The workers that built you a long time ago. Stand up for the needy and stop fueling war Help the planet and schools, you can do so much more… Enlist churches and chambers (of commerce, I mean) For diversity, speak up, be sure that it’s seen Whose side you will stand with, the humans we hope Erase words divisive, that’s Fox News’ worthless trope. United, let’s all step away from the brink We can sway Father Time whatever you think For the wealthy, all those with comfortable wallets Don’t blow on doo-dads or what-cha-ma-callits. Spend to help out and invest in your places, Build farmers markets, community spaces, Most of all, help the kiddos, vote yes for your schools And fund the libraries where kids can find tools To grow up more wise than we needed to be Looks like they’ll require it from what we can see.
Two-0-twenty five we’ll see how you go You’re full of surprises, that much we know Here’s a toast to potential, whatever we find Let’s turn it to good, let’s make it be kind. We’ll show off our courage instead of our fear Together we’re strong this happy new year, Resilience the word, where we’re planted we’ll thrive. Do your worst! We are ready two-oh-twenty-five.
Margot Ford McMillen farms near Fulton, Mo., and co-hosts “Farm and Fiddle” on sustainable ag issues on KOPN 89.5 FM in Columbia, Mo. Her latest book is “The Golden Lane: How Missouri Women Gained the Vote and Changed History.” Email: margotmcmillen@gmail.com.
