New Governor
The new Governor seems a stumble.
Even his own grumble.
Few words are forthcoming
Things not exactly humming.
What can he do
Before there’s a big taa-do?
Look South! Look South!
Says a local mouth.
I do agree.
This advice we give for free.
Two men, choose one, both very fine
Down amongst the Shawnee pine.
Smart help, instant downstate connection
If the new Governor makes this selection.
–Curtis Martin
Local poets were writing about contemporary events in the Sangamo Journal as early as the 1830s. People’s Poetry wants you to share your thoughts on what’s happening in Springfield today–in poetic form. Poems on any subject will be considered, but ones that deal with issues of local interest are encouraged. Send yours to poetry editor Lee Gurga, P.O. Box 662, Lincoln, IL 62656, or to gurga@ccaonline.com with “Bards of the Sangamo” in the subject line. (Please limit your submissions to poems of 14 lines or less.)
This article appears in Apr 24-30, 2003.
