A bill to establish a Poet Laureate for Minnesota passed the State Legislature this year, but was vetoed. The bill itself (also in rhyme) can be found here on the Legislature site.
Rep. John Lesch (DFL – 66A) offered the following comment on the House vote:
| Poet Laureate, passage |
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Oh member named Peppin, just what did you step in? That caused your wee light to blink red? And Ray Vandeveer, did you really not hear, When Sykora said this was for the kids? And Knoblach and Krinkie, don’t make such a stinky, Your delegates called and they love this. Oh member from Jordan, just what are you hoardin’ By voting against this swell plan? But I’ll give Olson credit, for not making us edit All poems with request for a roll-call; |
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But thanks all you others, it’ll please all your mothers To know you like rhymes and you show it Those others who frowned, will soon come around, To love our state Laureate Poet. |
The following limericks on the veto were written by an SD 66 resident (known only as "Hal") in response to a challenge from the "Backfence" column in the Star Tribune. As they were not printed there, the author feels free to publish them elsewhere. (A copy has been emailed to the Governor's office.)
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The Laureate Poet was axed For a cause neither emailed nor faxed. |
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State rhymes would be neat-o But Tim used his veto |
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For fear that the meter was taxed. |
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Our Governor's scared, don't you see To encourage (without user fee) |
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A professional poet. He'll hear from -- I know it! -- |
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Pawlenty of amateurs like me. |