The American Cyclops, the Hero of New Orleans, and Spoiler of Silver Spoons

"The American Cyclops, the Hero of New Orleans, and Spoiler of Silver Spoons" by Pasquino is a cutting poetic satire that slams a famous American Civil War military leader through the lens of classical mythology. By crafting a twisted parallel to the Greek myth of Ulysses and the Cyclops, the poem paints a picture of a celebrated "hero" as a flawed, morally bankrupt boozer whose cowardice and corruption lead to tragedy, particularly in the events surrounding New Orleans; the vivid words and biting humor shine a light on the contrast between the shiny stories we tell about heroes and the sometimes ugly truth, ultimately pleading for peace and honesty in a world filled with conflict and lies.