'Twas the night before the election, when all through the ward,
Not a campaign was stirring, it seemed we'd all be ignored.
The lit was dropped on the windshields with care,
In hopes that tomorrow soon would be there.

The hacks were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of victory danced in their heads.
And candidates in Northeast, and those in the North,
Had just settled down, for what the Primary would bring forth.

When out in the streets there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the grass not covered with snow,
Gave the lustre of mid-day to the scene below.
When, what to my wondering ears should report,
But an Authentic Community Voice with waves of support.

With supporters of all races, creeds and colors,
I knew in a moment it was the candidate before all others;
More impressive than any, his passion shone bright
And he whistled, and shouted, his priorities through the night:

"Now, Families! Now, Development! Now Community And Nonviolence!
On Housing! On Safety! On Fairness And Conscience!
>From the edge of the North! Through Northeast and all!
Now dash away! Dash away! On to City Hall!"

And with him they came, their hearts filled with hope
No longer would they settle, no longer merely cope;
For here was a man, authentic and real
A voice from the community, not some backroom deal.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard at the door
A quick knock-knocking, from who, I wasn't sure.
As I drew it open, what should I see,
There stood Don Samuels, Council Candidate, Ward 3.

He was clad in ideals, from his head to his foot,
Knowledge, Compassion, and Community Input 
A bundle of wisdom he carried from his life,
Not to mention two loving daughters and a very capable wife.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! His experience shone through!
His dedication and commitment, no challenge could undo!
His smile warmed you from your head to your toes,
An authentic respresentative, one instantly knows;

A guardian ad litem, an activist and artist, 
One conversation with him and I knew which candidate was smartest.
Long on community, yet short on hot air,
I knew when we needed him, as our councilmember he'd be there

He was running I knew, just to do good work
Not for career move or fame, or any special perk
And passing his lit and shaking my hand
He thanked me for my time, and leaving, made a request not a demand

He sprang to the community, to him they gathered round
A wave of support lifting him up off the ground
And I heard his request as he walked out of sight,
VOTE DON SAMUELS TOMORROW, AND WE'LL ALL HAVE A GOOD-NIGHT!


Jonathan Palmer
Poetically Supporting DON SAMUELS
in Victory
_______________________________________

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