Empire
A Villanelle

If this were my Empire, I would rage too.

I’d flaunt strong my flag. I’d brandish my sword.

If men, our masters. If this world, my truth.

If this ground my home, all which I knew,

I’d find land and ransack, treasures to horde.

If this were my Empire, I would rage too.

I’d draw up some fences, claim what is due.

Belittle those who don’t vote in accord.

If men, our masters. If this world, my truth.

Devalue The Other, lockup a few.

Keep safely away, who cannot afford.

If this were my Empire, I would rage too.

I’d learn of my scorn from absorbing news.

Our hope, partisan. Our lamp, culture wars.

If men, our masters. If this world, my truth.

I’d find rivals to hate, and oft pursue.

Dismissing, “My Kingdom, not of this world.”

If this were my Empire, I would rage too.

If men, our masters. If this world, my truth.