Typewriter Rodeo: Why, Jerry?

Each week, the Standard reaches out to Austin’s Typewriter Rodeo for a custom poem on Texas topics.

By David FruchterOctober 1, 2021 10:12 am, ,

With new census numbers finally available, lawmakers are drawing new maps for political representation. It’s no surprise that those with the pen seem inclined to make the lines in favor of themselves or their interests. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

Why, Jerry?

so who is this Jerry
and why ever does he mander?

from what i hear he’s some kind
of election fraud commander

sticking folks in voting blocs
miles from one another

but strangely separated from
their own sisters and brothers

though they live right across the street
don’t mean a thing to Jerry

he’s like some kind of evil magic
election-rigging fairy

granting wishes to the party
that happens to be in charge

never mind the demographics
that have grown so large

if they’re folks of color,
i’m afraid they’re out of luck

’cause Good Ole Jerry Mander
just couldn’t give

a care…

a photo of the typewritten poem on a yellow, torn piece of paper

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