You put the villain in the villanelle,

Your SUV sprawled cross two parking spots.

A little act that brings a little hell.

–

In shops and trains you yell into your cell

As if the whole world hung upon your thoughts.

You put the villain in the villanelle.

–

Your name is mud – what’s that acrid smell?

You drank the coffee and left empty pots.

A little act that brings a little hell.

–

On planes you tilt your seat back and compel

The man behind to tie himself in knots.

You put the villain in the villanelle.

–

At night you slam the door in your hotel,

Then turn the TV loud as cannon shots.

A little act that brings a little hell.

–

At selfish conversation you excel,

You have to star in every story’s plots.

You put the villain in the villanelle,

You little act who brings a little hell.

This poem has gone through many drafts – perhaps not enough, some might say. Going in I intended to write a light-hearted, make-fun-of-the-actor poem. But as I delved into it I realized that these inconsiderate actions are increasingly common evidence of declining civility, and the poem grew angrier. What’s a blog for, if not to preach, so everyone: be nice, be considerate, be tolerant. Individualism is great, but we’re all in this together!

I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a villanelle until a month or so ago. Once I heard of the form, the villain/villanelle pun was evident and I had to see what I could do with the strict rhyming requirements. Turns out it’s a very difficult form to work with!

Photo: my modern pets, with whom I’m never peeved.