Red Caesarism—senescence and solipsism

This piece is written in a form of poetry and prose I call a “sonnetina.”

It uses the basic form of a music sonata—exposition, development, and recapitulation in which the musical subject matter is stated, explored or expanded, and restated. The word “sonata” means “to sound.” I am using the “sound of words” in sonnets in place of music for development.

The border wall sheriff of high tariff

Exposition/inspiration

Quote from Greek pre-Socratic sophist, Gorgias (c.483-375 B.C.) “Even if something could be known about it, knowledge about it cannot be communicated to others.” In the case of POTUS 45 (soon to be 47) a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. He places or puts his fantasies forward as positions on issues and then gets angered and outraged when they are not accepted or opposed to by others. Think about the U.S.-Mexico border wall, his admiration for and love relationship with dictators Putin in Russia and Kim Jong Un of North Korea, climate change denial, and now high tariffs.

Remember Trump saying, “Only I can do it.” Solipsism is sometimes expressed as the view that “I am the only mind that exists” or “My mental states are the only mental states.” This is “akin to a delusional disorder.” POTUS 45 is skeptical of others.

Development/sonnets on it

The U.S. has a convicted felon for their president who is moving back to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Do you remember that he is a former resident

who denigrated the White House at his first view.

Now new horror tales of the former “Border Sheriff”

who fears our neighbors in Canada and Mexico

On China too he wants to impose a very high tariff

on these outrageous high tariffs 47 says go go go.

U.S. and worldwide economists say the tariffs won’t work

wonder what Elon Musk thinks about what Trump says

(when CEO’s call Trump a f…ing moron and a big jerk)

Trump on tariffs, “China won’t sell a single car in the U.S.”

Our nation now steers full of fears and tears for four years

as our tragic demagogic Solipsistic Sheriff shifts his gears.

More than half of all the Tesla cars built globally are

manufactured in Shanghai, a third are destined for export.

He is 78 years old and Still POTUS 45

(A sonnet litany for a lying leader)

Trump is now 78 years old and is still POTUS 45

Now in his old age with new rage, 2nd stage—Still 45

With his age incessant rage he turns a page—Still 45

His loyalty oath is still alive and going well—Still 45

Free speech under POTUS 47 can go to hell—Still 45

Tax cheat bucks help the bigly billionaire thrive—Still 45

As his Cabinet circus forms some take a dive—Still 45

Sycophants bend the knee and babble boss jive—Still 45

Trump Bibles are for sale on the discount rack—Still 45

Few evangelicals mount a White House counterattack

as they turn the other cheek away from his misogyny

Communist dictators and tyrants give him a high five

not 47 yet he’s laughing all the way to the bank

but still worried about a jail tank while he’s—Still 45.

Recapitulation/coda

POTUS 45 said in a recent campaign interview when asked a

question about global warming, “They don’t even call it that

anymore.” And later, “Frack, frack, frack. Drill baby drill.”

Other words for solipsistic are selfish, egotistical, narcissistic.

Sound like POTUS 45? Think POTUS 47 will be different?

Trump won the recent presidential election with 50% of the vote.

Kamala Harris received 48% of the popular vote, 76.9 million vs.74.5 million.

Trump won by the third smallest margin in American history.

Joey aka “Pepe Batbon” Connolly is a retired educator who taught in the CNMI, NOLA, and LVNV. He is the Poet Laureate of Tinian and enjoys stargazing.