Villanelle for these days, November 2016

When the story turns to tragic
tearing truth and rending bone,
the horde of hearts resorts to magic.

The morning news makes me sarcastic
my neighborhood is made of stone
and the story turns to tragic.

I cannot even stay socratic
I cannot raise my voice alone
the horde of hearts resorts to magic

All our dreams fall back to static
Shining flares are left alone
when the story turns to tragic

The beggar smiles enigmatic
The crows bow west and head for home-
the horde of hearts resorts to magic

The circuit breaker trips fantastic
the weary singer picks a tone
when the story turns to tragic
the horde of hearts resorts to magic.