Sinatra, Sinatra

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"Sinatra, Sinatra: The Poem," by Paul Fericano, is a satire on conservatism in America. The poem substitutes Frank Sinatra's last name for specific words and takes aim at a host of political, social and economic ills. It was first published in 1982 as a single-poem, limited edition chapbook that sold for 2 cents and quickly became a cult classic. It was later included in Fericano's book of poetry, Commercial Break, also published in 1982.

The poem was at the heart of a successful hoax perpetrated on the literary community. Its intended target was Poets & Writers, Inc. of New York. The book was "awarded" the fictitious (and now infamous) Howitzer Prize. The mainstream media legitimized the prize before the hoax was exposed by the author.