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Without His Nurse

Calvin Trillin

March 10, 2011

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?

Calvin TrillinCalvin Trillin is The Nation’s “deadline poet.”


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