LIMERICKS
Limerick competitions have played a big role in past Kassebaum farewell parties and similar gatherings.
By general acclamation, Kay Sharp was named the hands-down winner of the Kassebaum Reunion 2019 competition. In fact, I hazard to say that she should be crowned the Grand Champion of all such contests!
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Thank You, Nancy
There once was an honorable place,
where words were not arsenic laced.
And there worked our Nancy,
who shunned all the fancy,
yet exuded compassion and grace.
The men thought, 'She's just a lightweight."
"Send her back to the Sunflower state."
But she had a mission
she'd see to fruition,
‘cause commitment is one of her traits.
A statesperson in sensible shoes,
the Dems never gave her the blues.
She’d cross the wide aisle,
with her charming smile,
then leave them bemused, but enthused.
She quietly left those great halls
having painted respect on those walls.
A new love by her side
she said, “Goodbye” to the ride.
Misty eyed, she gazed down at the Mall.
We have not since those days replaced,
the love of that time, and that place.
We remember them well,
with great pride we still tell,
Of our time with that lady of grace.
I love you, Nancy, Kay
​
--Kay Sharp
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There once was a Senator from Kansas,
Who had many former staff fans-es.
So, needless to say--
From every which way,
They're coming to Burdick in masses.
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-- Susan Hattan
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Some staffers of the great NLK
Came to Kansas to play
While they added some years,
Their wit sharp as spears
Ready to talk about 'back in the day.'
--Mary Elizabeth (Larson) Elliott
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The reunion program also featured a video presentation from Ann Shirley--who sent her greetings and read a poem she wrote for the occasion.
-- Ann Shirley
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A lady in Kansas had a dream
Of getting Senators back on the beam.
She saw her bills pass
With integrity and class,
And led the Kassebomber softball team!
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-- Ron Wilson
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Ron Wilson (aka Kansas Poet Lariat) also composed and presented a cowboy poem for the occasion:
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When addressing issues slightly off base,
The goal was to get Nancy to a place
To think of you highly
And give you a smiley,
And never the dread frownie face.
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-- Susan Hattan
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Inspiration for My Quilt Block
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Unfortunately, most of the limericks presented at past Kassebaum parties have not been preserved & are lost to history. However, here are a few classics from the Greg Musil Collection
For Alan Ott by Greg Musil --
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A boy from the heart of the nation,
Chose farm credit as his vocation,
Though he worked 'round the clock,
To get farms out of hock,
He skipped loan loss amortization.
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There onces was a staffer whose passion,
Was to keep family farming in fashion,
He knew despite vultures,
Kansas is agriculture,
Til deficiency checks aren't for cashin'.
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For Elizabeth Lewis by Colin Gage --
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Next Friday with coming of dawn
And each day from therafter on
It won't be the same
As before E.L. cam
For who will say "Y'all" when she's gone?
​
If I'd had a chance to have met her
I'm sure I would never forget her
But since I have not
I've already forgot
Why I wanted to know her much better.
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So, Elizabeth, be always a seeker
And when you think that things couldn't get bleaker
Don't start second-guessing
Count all your belssings
After all, you come be in Topeka.
​
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For Elizabeth Lewis by Guy (Clough) Bradley
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A you maiden, blond and frail,
One day, for the Big Apple, set sail,
Her burden was great
For she shouldered the weight
Of seventeen suitcases of mail.
Guy-Bob
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For Elizabeth Lewis by Susan Hattan
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There is a wise shrink from Jackson,
Whose practice has really been thrivin'.
She signs all her cards
with "Warmest regards."
Some habits can never be broken.
