Iraq Villanelle

This is a villanelle (a very tight poetry format) that I used to create commentary on the war... despite the strictures of rhyme and meter, I was pleased at how it flowed.

Iraq Villanelle
I think that Bush and Cheney understand,
despite their parochial, privileged lives,
the total candor that true peace demands.

They didn’t find the weapons, as was planned;
now rumors are that underlings connived,
but don’t doubt that Bush and Cheney understand.

Our mop-up army (daily ambushed) and
Iraqi townsfolk need -- to stay alive --
the total candor that true peace demands.

Afghan’s still in shambles, and the Holy land’s
aflame with harsh, pre-emptive drives
that I think Bush and Cheney understand.

Yet partial fact, Code Yellows carefully planned
are what they give us; does this seem contrived --
this “total candor” they know we demand?

Are we too numb? Or don’t we understand:
of all the noble reasons, none survived
the total candor that true peace demands.
Oh, I think Bush and Cheney understand!