the face of irony

11/12/2022

the face of irony

an ekphrastic villanelle

The face of irony gracing our dollar bill
White ruffles adorn his cuffs and collar
One thing's for sure, men could dress back then

His rosy cheeks are still cold from that night
When he ushered in freedom in exchange for his soul
The face of irony gracing our dollar bill

See his outstretched hand while the other is readied
Further down, black tights cling to his legs' skin
One thing's for sure, men could dress back then

He stands next to a golden eagle, the symbol of unbridled power
He dares not smile and reveal what he's stolen
The face of irony gracing our dollar bill

He was but a boy when he led his first army
Commanding in fancy coats not unlike this one
One thing's for sure, men could dress back then

Use caution if refusing this outstretched hand
Lest he throw another tantrum and order more genocide
The face of irony gracing our dollar bill
One thing's for sure, men could dress back then