With a nod to Elizabeth Barrett Browning and
…an apology to her and you for my uneven verse, feeble rhymes, and discordant cadence.

 

How do I (the opposite of love – fill in the blank) thee? Let me count the ways.

I (blank) thee because in these past 100 days 

You have invaded my life 

Making fear and sorrow rife.

Worries about destruction of my modest income 

Make me fret and wish this and other threats

Was something to laugh at – like a mindless sitcom.

I (blank) thee because your deeds 

Have engendered dread among my friends and progeny

Creating angst about safety and stability 

Triggering them and me to be very crotchety.

I (blank) thee during the morning and evening news 

Which overwhelmingly brings on the blues. 

I (blank) thee fully and clearly

In the shower, on a walk, in my kitchen – either late or early.

But my (blanking) thee doesn’t destroy my hope

That I am not a dope

To have faith that common sense will prevail, and

This too will pass

Along with other things from history

That turned out to be 

Short-term pains-in-the-(rhymes with pass – fill in the blank.)