{In this poem, I draw on the tragedy of the Fall 2020 wildfires out West for my metaphor. Which, as it happens, applies just as well to someone in the East.
Part of the series Sixty Days, leading up to the US Presidential election. Thanks for stopping by to read!}
Shouting “Fire!” at the movies;
Puppeteered by a Russian Troll;
Preaching “Everything is groovy!”
Sinking deeper, in a hole;
Making a splash at maskless rallies,
Though you’re King of the Masquerade;
Captured by your fibs fantastic;
Forced to lie in the bed you made;
Topic of many a virulent sonnet;
Making the bane of your name profane;
Stoking the pyre, while perched upon it:
Mocking the West Coast, all a-flame:
Claim, that you aren’t to blame, you liar!
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Copyright 2020 Andrea LeDew
If you enjoyed this poem, check out a short short story inspired by a fire, that of Notre Dame in Paris, Fire Escape.
For more in the series leading up to the election, check out Sixty Days.
I couldn’t agree more.
“King of the Masquerade” is a great line! This poem makes me think of the song “Hotel California.”
Thank you Brad! Another related poem is The Masquerade. I just have a distaste for those who pretend to be someone they’re not, I guess. Particularly when they are successful at fooling everyone!
And now, Brad, having re-read this 2017 poem, I realize it also has to do with video advertisements in particular, whether we see them on TV or online, and the perfection of the models and the sentiments that we tend to see on screens.
Regarding this poem and your first comment, it’s a grotesque charade! I think the only ones who are fooled are the ones who want to be.