Blue Vitriol Poem by Sidi Mahtrow

Froma Blue state did emerge
One espousing a vitriolic purge.
But what is this compound
Of which we (and she) expound?
Copper sulfate - pentahydrate
Known as Blue Vitriol, of late.

Defenders of Blue Vitriol
Maintain that it is useful for Pest control
And of course to clean sewer pipes so they'll drain.
Or to be added to fire, giving color to the flame.

Yet a well known poison is copper
That in excess comes a cropper.
Caution is expressed as the cure is often
Worse than the pest, for death intended.
Poison the eco-system is a likely result
Which explains why EPA gives no support.

Toxic, toxic, toxic is what we know
As she spews out her brand of Blue Vitriol.

It's best to be reminded that Vitriol
Comes from a sulfuric oil.
Attacking what it does encounter
Substance really does not matter.
It's copper's running mate
Sulfur, the mysterious one of late.
When pure and in a solid state,
Sulfur is yellow and sedate.
But when the temperatures elevate
It turns to a blackened other state.

Given oxygen to stoke a blaze
Sulfur burns and gives off a white haze.
These sulfuric oxides formed,
When in water dissolved; acid's borned.

In the atmosphere, we know so well
Acid rain is the product that does dwell
Drifting meaninglessly across the land
Destroying plants and animals where they stand.

Another characteristic of sulfuric use,
Once a favorite in soda-drink abuse.
To give the pop a certain acid twang
Adding H2SO4 was the thing.
Cheap is the term to define
When bottlers chose this product line.

The smell of rotten eggs,
That's hydrogen sulfide or the dregs.
Beware! A trace you can smell
But in excess the nose is overwhelmed
When the smell does not offend.
A toxic dose; life's at an end.

The stench that Nancy P does spread
Warns of her poison's acrid dread.
She's everywhere as all can see.
Appearing daily on tv.
Give the press its day and all,
Sets off this form of Blue Vitriol.

Poison is what we are talking about
Spewing forth from the poluti mouth.
Like the acid we know so well,
She appears innocent but is aggressive as hell.

This wicked witch will not melt away
Compromise is not the game she plays.