Travis Bickle's Villanelle

Loneliness has followed me all my life.
There never has been any choice for me.
All the animals come out at night

The idea had been growing in my mind;
I’ve got some bad ideas in my head.
Loneliness has followed me all my life.

Too much abuse has gone on for too long:
You’re in a hell, you’re gonna die in Hell!
All the animals come out at night.

Every muscle has got to be tight;
You’re only as healthy as you feel.
Loneliness has followed me all my life.

My record is clean, clean as my conscience.
I am no kettle. I am no pot.
All the animals come out at night.

I could sense it. I knew I was right.
Here is a man who finally stood up.
Loneliness has followed me all my life.
All the animals come out at night.


--R.D. Baker