Poles Apart

By luigi_pagano

Mon, 27 Nov 2017
  • 1124 reads
4 comments
 
In my youth two men were alive
who shared a similar nickname;
one was Totò, a comic genius,
who achieved everlasting fame
by making people die of laugh
with films that were full of fun.
 
The other one was also Toto
(but note: without the stress)
who gained a bad reputation
inflicting pain and  great distress
as he made people die by the gun.
 
Hundreds were the victims
who were killed by this brute,
a very vicious Sicilian mobster,
whose trademark was to execute
anyone who stood in his way.
 
It’s true to say he was demented;
a real monster, without a  doubt.
It’s natural, now that he’s gone,
that his demise be unlamented.
 
© Luigi Pagano
Certificate 12
Poem
Are you being versed?
Other Non-fiction
Opinion

Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Interesting and sad. People in leadership may be disliked by some or many, or accused of mistake and misrule, but those who live to dominate by total fear, must lack real friends. I wonder if he learned to regret and repent during his prison years. Many victims wouldn't have had that time for thought. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

He was ruthless and merciless and he never repented of his crimes. In fact I think that he boasted that he wouldn't do anything different. He didn't have real friends, only criminal associates. Among his victims there were two anti-mafia judges.
"God have mercy on him, as we won't," an association for victims told the newspapers at his death.

 

Submitted by David Kirtley on

A fitting way to remember a vicious murderer! Good poem.

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Your feedback is very much appreciated, David. Thanks.

Best, Luigi