The dinner party’s eager host
Was looking rather pink;
He didn’t answer when spoken to
He didn’t even blink.
The guests, of course, would never know
He’d had too much to drink.
The Socialist and the Conservative
Were dancing cheek to cheek,
Neither one the least afraid
The press might find a leak.
“Can we,” the Conservative quietly asked
“Agree within a week?
If seven aids with seven pads
Negotiated through the night,
Do you think we could hit upon
Policies that are right?”
“I doubt it,” said the Socialist,
Who shuddered with delight.
The Liberal sat in the corner, alone
Mistaken for a spy.
“Will I ever get to dance?”
He wondered with a sigh.
It was precisely then that the Liberal
Caught the Socialist’s eye.
“Excuse me,” said the Socialist,
“But it’s time for me to go.
It’s getting late, and anyway,
I’ve seen someone I know.”
The Conservative protested angrily
And had to be taken in tow.
“Shall we dance?” the Socialist asked
Affecting a disinterested air.
“Love to,” replied the Liberal,
“Though I’m no Fred Astaire.”
“I believe that,” thought the Conservative,
Who could only stand and stare.
“Do you,” asked the Socialist,
“Believe in equal pay?”
The Liberal didn’t miss a step
As he heard himself say,
“My dear friend, I would not have it
Any other way!”
“And do you think,” the Socialist asked,
“That it is a good bet
That you’d allow a member of my Party
In your cabinet?”
“I don’t think,” the Liberal replied,
“We’re ready for that yet!”
They danced and danced and danced again
Until an early hour.
The Socialist agreed the Liberal
Deserved to have the power.
If only he wouldn’t insist so loudly
That taxes should be lower!
The Socialist was very pleased
With all that he had done;
After years of ignominy his party would have
A moment in the sun,
Making a king even though
The election it had not won.
The Liberal was very pleased
To have entered into the pact.
He had captured the popular vote,
Now his government was a fact.
He rubbed his hands in anticipation
Of the legislation he would enact.
The Conservative was very sad
And thought it very strange
That events had so conspired
His downfall to arrange.
But, after 42 years, I think
It was time for a change!