Can someone or everyone explain the fiscal cliff in a....

Whether you find it gripping or tedious, the fiscal cliff battle, as with great conflicts past, has inspired the country’s creative minds. Indeed, the pace of poetic output has accelerated in recent days. Here’s a rundown.

‘Twas the night before Fiscal Cliff, and throughout the land,

Democrats, Republicans were taking a stand.

Their positions unwavering, intractably firm,

With donkey-like stubbornness or entrenched pachyderm.

But the public were hopeful all snug in their beds,

With visions of compromise alive in their heads.

“Come on!” said the people in frustrated dismay.

“Abandon this meaningless partisan fray.”

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“Never mind,” said the Prez, “we’ll just keep delaying,

Who cares what the grumbling public are saying.”

But out in the blogosphere there arose such a clatter,

The people revolted, resolving this matter:

“There’s only one way to deal with such fools

Obama and Boehner must settle by duel.”