Conceding Poem by RIC BASTASA

Winnie says that man with a square face
knows how to count
before the last hour, before the truth is fully
unfolded before his almond eyes
he conceded. Winnie laughs and blurts
he is an accountant, he knows the numbers before they come.
he says his speech giving up
we listen.

dignity is still a gentleman during a painful defeat
all the efforts of friends, all the money spent, they are all gone.
i listen to his speech
congratulating the winner of this political game
there are no tears
there is no slight trembling of the lips
this man is strong
and pure, this man has the courage

perhaps, next time, when another winner shows its true color
bloats his head, and commits the same crime of those ahead of him,
perhaps next time
i will vote for this man. He is square and
fair.