you were born for this.
where are the voters?
i’m waiting for your
slanderous commercial
against candidates
who can’t compete.

it will surely follow
your quick quips
and intelligent,
well-read responses.

your video clips
and “inspiring messages”
are lost upon us, however.

please keep in mind
that your three-minute experience
with Mandarin Chinese
does not compensate
your obvious inadequacies.

we see your vision.
it’s as bright as the sun
on the first day of summer,
reminding us why we shed
these hard-earned skins
and spend those glorious months
with our children.

that time is something you,
10-month-old and all,
couldn’t possibly fit
into your perfect PowerPoint.

don’t worry, Dr.
we’ll watch the video
of today’s presentation
on YouTube.

after a few beers,
your words will be like the Mandarin:
foreign, bubbles burgeoning
out of the sea,
waiting for the moment
when the commercial will end,
when the reality of your ignorance
will shine in the summer sun.