Three Villanelles and a Quatrain

Pass on the Devil! - Villanelle

Pass on the Devil! Pass on the Devil!

Pass on the Devil for justice and joy,

For pity’s sake, innocence!

Words pushing at the back,

Lines grappling on the rack,

Pass on the Devil! Pass on the Devil!

Greed clicking in the hands,

Pride knocking at the teeth,

For pity’s sake, innocence!

Eat the Devil to fight him better,

Ask not the liar to find an answer,

Pass on the Devil! Pass on the Devil!

Chance reeking from the eyes,

Gold glittering in the skies,

For pity’s sake, innocence!

Take mirth at your mindlessness,

And be glad of your wastefulness,

Pass on the Devil, Pass on the Devil –

For pity’s sake, innocence!