not some sickly trough
where America slouches to binge
but an island of civility
amid a nation unhinged
a respite from the lunacy
the vitriol and spite
avert our eyes from the crumbling land
the fast approaching night
our pulse, barometer, shelter, guide
a safe hospitality
and a great place to hide
friendly to a fault
that shames a jaded traveler
breaking fast our only task
a vacation from disaster
