Mugwumps* on the March

by Barry Wallenstein

* The term is derived from the Algonquian word mugquomp, meaning "important person" or "war leader". In the 1830s, it was first adopted into American English as a jocular term for a boss or an overly important person.

He dances to no tune,
scrambles the letters of empathy
never having heard the melody
which makes him trip off the page.

In these neural times
the mugwumps and their minions  
are mucking about in the stew.
The taste is bitter.

Trump a mugwump
independent of party
aloof above the brave and striving
human lot.

One of his aides, after signing on
with the mugwump, fell from grace, 
and the ground made no sound.
He took a bullet for his boss.

---

Barry Wallenstein is the author of 13 collections of poetry, the most recent being Playing in Overtime [2025] and Odd Men Out (and In) – [2025].  He has made 12 recordings of his poetry with jazz, the most recent being Lisbon Sunset (2018) and Lisbon Sunrise (2022). Barry is Emeritus Professor of Literature and Creative Writing at CUNY, editor at American Book Review and advisory editor for BigCityLit. He founded the annual Spring Poetry Festival at City College in 1972 and remains connected.