winning the blue ribbon

as if livestock

at the county fair,

groomed and fattened

bovine,

they line them up

on stage for the blue

ribbon.

the candidates smile

for the camera

and wave.

who won, who lost?

apparently no one

and everyone.

no matter,

it's over for now.

send them all back

to the trough,

but they'll be back soon

for another parade.