The Candidate Makes a Public Statement on a Private Matter, His Wife at His Side

There’s something in the rules, I guess, to make
them brave the scene, dead pale, beside the jerk,
because they all endure it; none will shirk
the role, not one has said, Give me a break,
you asshole, can’t you tell how much I ache –
you’re on your own  – instead, she takes her place
and stands there, shaking,  life drained from her face
as hubby asks the world for time and space.     

There is no way, José, I am forewarned,
you’d ever see me shame myself like that.
I change the channel, give her knee a pat,
suppress a little joke on women scorned.
I'd like to think she’d stand by me, but still,
I’ve never run for office, never will.

First published in New Verse News