Ladies in Waiting No Longer

July 23, 2004December 2, 2021 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

The first daughters role in Bush’s bid for a second term

For the past four years
they were advised to lay low
and stay out of view.
But it’s a new day for the Bush girls.
Having come to terms
with the frightening diagnosis
that their daddy’s political life
was hanging in the balance,
the first daughters
sought a second opinion
about their place in the public eye.
Now they’re flying high
and enjoying the ride.
Trading privacy for celebrity,
Barbara and Jenna’s
love of the limelight
is now in Vogue.
The twins have a single focus.
In addition to sharing DNA,
George and Laura’s little ladies
share a common vision…
to help their dad and mother
keep the house they know as home.

Back to the Future

July 16, 2004December 2, 2021 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

What the ancient practice of beheading points to

In the days of John the Baptist
cruel tyrants filled with hate
would decapitate their captives
serving up their heads on plates.

Fueled by rage and heartless motives
captors used the guillotine
as they executed “justice”
raining red on fields of green.

In Iraq they’re still beheading
those they kidnap, torture, maim.
Without thought of humane treatment,
swords and daggers are a game.

Those who do such are the headless.
Mindless monsters, brainless beasts.
These with masks who wield their weapons
are the lowest of the least.

In a world inclined toward evil
what has been will always be
’til the Prince the Baptist promised
ushers in eternity.

The Proud Prisoner

July 9, 2004December 2, 2021 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

A close look at the world’s most infamous convict

Although he’s a prisoner,
Saddam remains proud
refusing to say he’s done wrong.
The Butcher of Baghdad
still has loyal friends
and that’s why this war is so long.

An arrogant tyrant,
Hussein remains rude
contesting a judge’s request.
He’s most unrepentant
and bent on revenge
toward those who have captured his best.

Let’s pray no one springs him.
That’s surely a threat.
There are those who want Saddam freed.
In spite of the ways that he plundered Iraq,
his victims resist liberty.

And yet we’re committed
to do what we can
to give those Iraqis new hope.
The mad man who led them
and still thinks he does
might just as soon think he’s the Pope.

An Old Game with a New Twist

July 2, 2004December 2, 2021 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

Why current gas prices bring to mind Monopoly

Forty bucks to fill ‘er up.
With regular?
That used to be highly irregular.
Not anymore.
Now it’s just plain vulgar!
It’s criminal and insane.
While some blame the Arabs,
I’m beginning to blame myself
for buying an SUV.
Oh, gee!
If this gasoline gouging is a game,
let’s quit and play another.
Anyone for Monopoly?
Landing on Boardwalk
loaded with houses and hotels
couldn’t cost as much
as being held hostage
by a hose and nozzle.
Or could it?
Come to think of it,
we’ve been playing (and losing)
at Monopoly all along.