There is a persistent tendency

In humanity

To claim, out of the quality

Of the efforts individual,

Some portion of that fame

Or infamy

For the entire associated group.

As if this character

Were a garlic to flavor

The entire human soup.

Thus Dr. King or Nelson Mandela,

Either one a worthy fella,

Gives any individual, black,

A remedy to cover any lack.

Being Jewish

Donates no clueish

Capability

To mitigate stupidity,

To have commonality, be one

With the personality

Of Einstein or Mendelssohn.

Humanity is stuffed

With geniuses and thugs

Sufficient to make your hair curl

And of reputation to tempt

My claim to be exempt

From my species.

I would rather be a squirrel.

Therefore, though I spew verse,

To evoke, sometimes, laughter, frequently, a curse,

I claim no relationship

To Shakespeare, or, more rash,

Ogden Nash.