Kentucky Derby Villanelle

 

Sweet mint and bourbon placate us all day long

Refreshing in the bright blue spring heat

The trumpet blares again, triumphant kickoff song.

 

In the country club where Blacks don’t belong,

Rows of flowered feathered hats line the street

Sweet mint and bourbon placate us all day long.

 

Deep purple at the center of filet mignon,

Raucous laughter as wealthy patrons meet,

The trumpet blares again, triumphant kickoff song.

 

Three forks set the table and heavy curtains drawn,

Muscled stallions brave a dreaded, mighty feat,

Sweet mint and bourbon placate us all day long.

 

Explosive shouts of drunken mirth within the throng

I searched for a moment of silence so sweet

The trumpet blares again, triumphant kickoff song.

 

Laughter yields terror as we learn of something wrong

The filly’s fallen, pockets empty, drowning in the heat

The trumpet blares again, triumphant kickoff song

Sweet mint and bourbon placate us all day long.

-GG