My posts are almost exclusively long-ish essay format things on economics, politics, social justice, or similar topics. But that’s not all I do!

To prove it to you, I present (and this is a rare thing) a piece of poetry I wrote, using Mitt Romney’s RNC speech as a base. Omission poetry crosses out some words but retains the order of the original work to create poetry.

If you’re interested in omission poetry, I encourage you to read the book that turned me onto the genre, Srikanth Reddy’s Voyager, which omits words from the autobiography of former UN Secretary General (and Nazi intelligence officer) Kurt Waldheim.

Here you go:

Mittens

I trust America America America Confidence lights the world Possibilities come after United over air

The children who woke up at night Immigrants knelt and kissed tyranny None doubted America America America America America Every good job deserved it

You. Get a second job. Work harder. Do with less. Work longer. I want to stand up and say, “Go to the Moon. God bless the Moon. You need Mexico.” Unconditional hearts and arms.

I am in love with cars. Those were tough days for Ann. We don’t apologize for China. Cut, reduce, balance, rein, repeal, replace Honor the slow rise of the oceans.

The dictator is still spinning. I lift eyes to destiny to God God God American America.

• This post was originally hosted on the Tufts University blog Jumbo Talk