by the Master of Words
H.G. Peterson

H.G. Peterson, a former show girl and librarian, was recently busted down to Middle Management for conduct unbecoming of a poet. Once he met Calvin Coolidge at a charity cake walk.

“Humble Deductions on a Rainy Cyan Day”

I
Yes, the first’s the most famous, there can be no doubt
For the abridgement of freedom it so rules out
Assembly, speech, religion, petition and press
A good amendment to have, so I must confess

II
The second’s the topic of a lot of debate
From those who love firearms and those filled with hate
The right to keep and bear arms is clearly stated
It’s still being continually debated

III
Then there is the third that is so often ignored
It concerns troops, specifically their room and board
So when a weary soldier goes to rest his head
You can be sure as hell it is not in my bed

IV
Number four is why a warrant’s needed by cops
To search your person, papers, effects, house or crops
No searches or seizures without probable cause
And Congress can make no contradictory laws

V
That there Fifth Amendment is a wonderful thing
It says even a caged bird does not have to sing
Double jeopardy’s banned and due process stated
Habeas Corpus declared, grand juries created

VI
The right to fair trial in criminal prosecutions
That good number six is one of the perfect solutions
Confront your accuser, even though he be large
You’ll be sure to know each and every last charge

VII
Seven sounds silly in modern comprehension
Even during the height of our Nation’s Depression
Jury and judge examine the case without hollers
In any case brought which exceeds twenty dollars

VIII
Eight makes sure you don’t pay too much money
When you go do something wrong there, sonny
It won’t cost too much for you to get out of jail
Because this amendment prevents too much bail

IX
With all these rights protected each line by line
You’ll be sure to like jolly old number nine
‘Cause listing rights protected in this Bill of Rights
Can’t keep others from out of the people’s sights

X
Good Ten keeps rights flowing at a really high rate
When the powers not reserved are devolved to each State
If the Fed doesn’t have them, the States have the might
And thus ends the magnificent U.S. Bill of Rights