The foundation of any town is only as strong as the citizens’ opinions it protects, and catering to status quo is the difference between reelection and reflection. The most successful government officials incorporate politics and public opinion while not being swayed by any ounce of conscience. After all, ruling over the land is a matter of maintaining a straight face regardless of the hilarity ensuing around you. Statues are toppled as the most steadfast residents arm themselves with AR’s, AK’s, and KKK’s protecting busts representing a legacy of hateful history. The mayor proclaims, You THUGS must stop this lawlessness! in a tone that would make his pasty predecessors blush with pride. “Are second-class citizens the illegitimate children of forefathers?” “Why hide behind the birthright of dead guys?” More questions to be answered later at a press conference regarding the state of the city, the city of the state, the most convenient of adjournments.

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Daniel Romo is the author of Bum Knees and Grieving Sunsets (FlowerSong Press 2023), Moonlighting as an Avalanche (Tebot Bach 2021), Apologies in Reverse (FutureCycle Press 2019), and other books. He received an MFA from Queens University of Charlotte, and he lives, teaches, and rides his bikes in Long Beach, CA. More at danieljromo.com.