I often write poems for competitions on AllPoetry. I look for challenges that will stretch me beyond my comfort levels and expand my skills. We Surrendered to a Dummygogue was written for the first challenge and later submitted for the second one.
Challenge 1: Use portmanteau words to tell a story.
Challenge 2: Write a biting poem critical of current U.S. politics.
We Surrendered to a Dummygogue
Oh, we chanted in the braggadome,
where fumbleaders fanned the fumes.
Truthquakes trembled, factalanches fell,
and the yesbots beeped their tunes.
The dummygogue loomed high and wide,
his mouth a vortex of distort.
Flubbernations cheered and hooted,
while gulliclowns danced in court.
The quackronauts in congregridlock
played pingflop with the laws.
Every whifflip was a victory,
every jibberjab, applause.
Dizzidents cried, “This is gobblenumb!”
but were snarfed in the churned-up chaff.
“It’s lawflaw now! Just go with it!”
said the smuggislators with a laugh.
The dummygogue waved his tiny hands
while bleatocrats bent in praise.
With gobsmacked sighs, we blinked and signed
our baffletreat sealed our days.
So here we sit in the fuddlefold,
our witzend minds askew,
watching the dummygogue juggle his lies
with a smirk and concepts of a clue.
Portmanteau
Portmanteau words are blended creations like “brunch” from breakfast and lunch or “smog” from smoke and fog. They pack double meaning into a single punchy sound. These hybrids can spark curiosity, add surprise, and give language a playful twist. Lewis Carroll famously used portmanteaus in Jabberwocky, combining words like “slithy” from slimy and lithe to evoke new images and sensations. In storytelling, they invite rhythm, whimsy, and imaginative leaps, letting writers build entire worlds out of clever combinations.
I had never really tried using portmanteau in my writing before, but I do love a good challenge. So I gave it a shot, curious to see what clever concoctions I could come up with. Honestly, I thought I landed a few decent blends. The contest judge disagreed, saying my words were flat and lacked imagination. Fair enough—but hey, not everyone appreciates subtle genius on the first read.
Satire as Political Commentary
After letting the poem sit for weeks following that first failure, I figured it deserved another chance. A new contest had popped up, this time asking for biting poems critical of the current executive branch of the United States and the MAGA movement. They wanted sharp, unapologetic commentary. I thought, Finally, a prompt that fits this piece like a glove. I submitted it with quiet confidence, fully expecting a better reception the second time around.
Instead, I got this: This [poem] struggles significantly with the … prompt, offering no clear or implied critique of the movement.
So yes, technically, that’s strike two. But honestly, I still think this poem hits harder than it’s getting credit for. Maybe it just takes the right readers. Maybe they are here. Your critiques are welcome in the comments.
