FedPoem: Ode to the Trillion Dollar Coin

Editor's Note: Here's the latest from our own poet laureate of the federal world, Tim Clark. If you haven't already, be sure to check out his his first effort, on would-be Treasury Secretary Jack Lew's loopy signature.

Platinum Blues

It seemed so simple, so savvy, so smart,
Like an elegant piece of minimalist art,
Until Treasury itself conspired to enjoin
The fabulous platinum trillion-dollar coin.

Who needs Congress to fix our national debt
When the mint can fire up and quickly beget
A token that allows us to borrow more dough
So our passion for spending can continue to grow?

White House press guy Jay Carney softly demurred
When asked if the big minting might ever occur;
Columnists like Krugman, and congressmen too,
Cheered the platinum fix to our debt ceiling blues.

‘Twas too good to be true in the cold light of day:
Carney kicked the response over Treasury’s way,
Where spokesmen conceded the ceiling could shift
Only if Congress would give it a lift.