‘What’s a Filibuster?’ by David Margolis

It could be a horse thief, or maybe a rustler,
A card shark, a pimp, or a sleazy-eyed hustler.
A finish on wood that can add to its luster
Or moisture on metal that causes some ruster.
A Crème Brulee, or a Bavarian custard,
French sauce delicious with finest of mustard.
Your boss Phil, who is a Procrustean cruster.
Alas, you’d be wrong, but wait, please do not fluster.

In halls of the Congress when Senators cluster,
Their chins in each other’s long faces will thruster,
They’re blowing hot air like a tropical guster,
And Spittle from faces is flung in a fluster.
They hem and they haw and babble and bluster,
Succeeding as well as did General Custer,
Each side always groping for sixty to muster
While nothing gets done—now that’s a filibuster.

David Margolis retired from the practice of gastroenterology in 2013 to become a full time writer. His stories have appeared in The Canadian Medical Association Journal, JAMA: Internal Medicine, Missouri Medicine, HumorPress.com, Long Story Short, Still Crazy, and The Jewish Light of St. Louis. His first novel “The Myth of Dr. Kugelman” was published in October 2015. A second novel, “The Plumber’s Wrench,” is currently under review by an agent. He resides in St. Louis, MO with his wife Laura, two rescue kids, three small rescue dogs, and a set of golf clubs.