No villain in hell could tell such blatant lies;
inciting the people to embrace tyranny:
With words of hate the power of progress dies.
I see no sentient soul behind those eyes
inviting destruction of democracy:
No villain in hell could tell such blatant lies.
We must not be too blind to realise
the power of the vote’s fragility:
With words of hate the power of progress dies.
Across the networks roll the rallying cries;
hashtags and feedback loops of infamy:
No villain in hell could tell such blatant lies.
And I stand on the sidelines, neither wise
nor prophesying doom, yet still I see:
With words of hate the power of progress dies.
Now is the time to unite in the ties
that bind together love, humanity:
No villain in hell could tell such blatant lies;
With words of hate the power of progress dies.
© Experimentsinfiction 2021, All Rights Reserved
About this poem
I couldn’t watch the events of yesterday unfold without offering up some kind of commentary. I think these events will live on in the annals of infamy. As I’m exploring the villanelle form this week, I couldn’t resist the play on words. A play on words with a serious message. Incidentally, the word villanelle derives from the same route as the word ‘villain,’ though a medieval villein was was a common villager rather that a malignant ne’er-do-well. I am of course employing the modern sense of the word. Posted for dVerse Open Link Night.
The play on words is, dare I say, bloody brilliant, Ingrid.
-David
Thank you, David!
Well-said, Ingrid! And a great play on words! When I heard the villain’s speech, I was surprised that he called his opponents evil, when he is using the same tactics as some of the worst dictators history has ever known – they showed us that ‘With words of hate the power of progress dies’. I’ve read that there is a plane ready to fly him to Scotland – they don’t want him there! Nicola Sturgeon has made that crystal clear.
I know, you have to respect her for that! Thanks Kim 😊
This is eloquently composed, Ingrid! Such piercing imagery here especially; “I see no sentient soul behind those eyes inviting destruction of democracy.” I agree!
Must be some kind of satanic automaton…
I am still too angry to write about yesterday. The 25th amendment, a second impeachment, a jail cell, all is too good for him, for as a traitor he needs a firing squad.
How is he still, on paper, the president?
Ingrid thank you for your villanelle against the vile villain!
He should be called out for what he is by everyone who has a voice!
I caught myself singing to your anger and brilliant poetic write. You’re words play music of our current state.
You said it well my friend.
Thank you – it needed to be said!
You are welcome. Truth most always be heard loud and with anger. Much praise for your work and message.
Oh Ingrid.. it is such a tragedy! I was glued tot he T.V. between clients yesterday. It is deplorable and so sad. I wrote so many things down and decided on a quote for next year.. maybe i’ll post it on Friday Fun or F___ day.. 😡🤣 Great poem depictiing so well the villian in hell… ❤️
He’s been upgraded from a Jack-Ass-O-Lantern! Remember those good old days? Well I’m glad democracy won but how tragic that people had to die defending his lies. Thanks Cindy ❤️ hope you’re feeling ok!
Laughing now and that’s a good thing since it’s no laughing matter but hell .. (oh that’s him). Tragic! Grateful we have 2 weeks left of him but I’d vote to get him out now but they didn’t ask me. 🌟🌈🌈🌈🌈❤️
Yes, we must laugh to keep from crying 😂
Ain’t it the truth!!!!! We did have some fun with it and I imagaine with the boot .. we’ll have more. 🤣❤️🤣
You’ve written a marching song or a protest song. You’re right, it needs saying.
The sooner he’s got rid of, the better.
Jailed. The only way to keep him out of the media.
a powerful style to vilify the vile, well done!
Thanks Kate, shame it had to be written!
but it’s healthier that we write it out, something so vile impacts us deeply and writing helps heal!
That is true – I think that’s why I do it!
it sure helps me 🙂
Writing is the therapy of writers…..
It certainly is!
You said you’d go mad if you didn’t……ditto
Spot on Ingrid… he continued his segregation/divisional tactics right til the end… over the years he has constantly driven a wedge into America’s community for his own selfish gains…. the recent events have been very “Disturbing”..
https://youtu.be/u9Dg-g7t2l4
I think he needs to be removed from office before he does any more damage or anyone else dies defending his lies.
I totally agree Ingrid.. I’m very upset at his lack of responsibilty and commonsense… but that’s always been his problem… …
Trump is the perfect subject for the villanelle form, haha! It is a mesmerizing form and your words cast a type of spell, a chant of condemnation into the ethos – let the bard be heard and cover the words of hate with blinding light! ✨🔥
Thank you, Tricia 😊
Villain from Hell in a villanelle – perfect title
Sanaarizvi expresses my feelings far better than I could:
“This is eloquently composed, Ingrid! Such piercing imagery here especially; “I see no sentient soul behind those eyes inviting destruction of democracy.”
Thanks Don – the play on words seemed appropriate in this case.
Was very good for the current time…..
This is an awesome poem Ingrid,I am proud to be a friend in words of yours, for sure! You’ve nailed both the poetic form, and the awfulness of the event.
Thank you so much, Carolyn, for your kind words!
Great work Ingrid. I was going to write angrily about that bastard, but turned to whimsy for the sake of my mental state.
It is probably easier for me to write calmly from my perspective across the Atlantic. It’s best to take a break and write about it when you feel you are ready.
Well written, Ingrid!
Thank you, Eugenia!
Most welcome, Ingrid!
I’ve been struggling to write something about this, but my mind won’t settle. This is excellent, and the perfect choice of form.
It’s impossible to write without a sense of calm and perspective. I’m not American so not as directly affected, but his vile assault on democracy sends a disturbing message to the world which needs to be challenged.
So many share your sentiments and your hope for unity!
It’s so sad to see nations divided in this way. My own is not much better!
:<( It really is sad.
“Villian in Hell” a Villanelle, The award for the best title goes to .. 👏 I read many poems today about this Villian in Hell and his words of hate, this one captures these tiring times perfectly.
Thank you, Jay: the phrase occurred to me and it seemed appropriate.
Well said, top to bottom. (K)
A difficult form, Ingrid, and you have used it well.
“No villain in hell could tell such blatant lies”
True and very clever…JIM
Fortunately for USA, your country has shown him his place.
We have a identical if not a worse version of him… with no hope, at least for the time being.
I’m from the UK, but his actions are a threat to democracy worldwide. I hope things change for you soon!
Excellent! Ingrid, this is so true and so well-stated! Bravo! <3 Enjoy your weekend!
Thanks Cheryl, you too ❤️