Without His Nurse

Without His Nurse

Facebook
Twitter
Email
Flipboard
Pocket

Galyna Kolotnytska, described in diplomatic cables as the “voluptuous blond” nurse who accompanies Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi everywhere, has returned to Ukraine.    —News reports
 
While everybody says, “Just go!”
His countrymen all surely know
Adversity seems more adverse
Without his nurse.
 
“He’s bonkers,” people say. “That might
Be why he rants into the night.”
His talks get further still from terse
Without his nurse.
 
The body count is now quite large;
He’s killed a lot to stay in charge.
And all this killing must seem worse
Without his nurse.
 
It has to bring this man much pain
To bear the crumbling of his reign
And see his fortunes in reverse
Without his nurse.
 
Yes, Muammar now has to face
This hatred from the human race
And angry crowds that won’t disperse
Without his nurse.
 
The banks freeze billions of his loot.
His people sorely want to boot
Him out, or put him in a hearse
Without his nurse.
 
Could Allah show a bit of mercy
And send poor Mu-Mu back his nursie?

Can we count on you?

In the coming election, the fate of our democracy and fundamental civil rights are on the ballot. The conservative architects of Project 2025 are scheming to institutionalize Donald Trump’s authoritarian vision across all levels of government if he should win.

We’ve already seen events that fill us with both dread and cautious optimism—throughout it all, The Nation has been a bulwark against misinformation and an advocate for bold, principled perspectives. Our dedicated writers have sat down with Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders for interviews, unpacked the shallow right-wing populist appeals of J.D. Vance, and debated the pathway for a Democratic victory in November.

Stories like these and the one you just read are vital at this critical juncture in our country’s history. Now more than ever, we need clear-eyed and deeply reported independent journalism to make sense of the headlines and sort fact from fiction. Donate today and join our 160-year legacy of speaking truth to power and uplifting the voices of grassroots advocates.

Throughout 2024 and what is likely the defining election of our lifetimes, we need your support to continue publishing the insightful journalism you rely on.

Thank you,
The Editors of The Nation

Ad Policy
x