Villanelle's Anyone?

on Feb. 13 2007

I love these.

My trick, such as it is, is twofold.

1 - Write it in a spreadsheet so the repeating lines default in in the correct places, and so that any changes are uniformly applied to them,

2 - write the two repeated lines first, making sure that they make good sence in either order AND as stand alone lines. If you can work in a pun for the end rhymes as well then you're on to a winner!

on Feb. 13 2007

Maybe pun was the wrong word, though puns can work. Words with more than one meaning was really what I meant but was too lazy to write. It enables the meaning of the repeated lines to change with each reiteration, which can be fun.

I find that the form also works well with subject matter that is in some way circular (In musical terms I would mention the rondeau which keeps coming back to the same idea). The Dylan Thomas poem 'Do not go Gentle' comes to mind. In grief the mind keeps going over the same ground. I am planning to use the form for a poem about my Dad's dementia as it relates to an incident that happened recently for this reason.

on Feb. 13 2007

Edited by anstey on Feb. 14 2007

on Mar. 7 2007

Villanellentine

The magic of a greeting card and rose –

Such sentimental sighings they invoke!

I should not be a cynic, I suppose.

Each year the pile of cardboard refuse grows,

And bouquets send a million suitors broke:

The magic of a greeting card and rose.

Bad poetry will fall to all-time lows,

And clichés will make sobbing women choke –

I should not be a cynic, I suppose.

A sniff will risk a prick in tender nose,

But all trespasses disappear like smoke:

The magic of a greeting card and rose.

Abandonment of common sense just shows

That romance is a sad and sorry joke –

I should not be a cynic, I suppose.

In every bed a man so sweetly throws

His leg across his woman for a poke:

The magic of a greeting card and rose –

I should not be a cynic, I suppose.

Nah, I hate villanelles, I just write them because I'm too lazy to slit my wrists.

inspired from Ashley Nicole on May 27 2007

I adored Leanne's villanellentine! Gave me lots of chuckles....

on May 27 2007

Here's the only one I've ever written. Never got any feedback on it from another community I'm in, so I'd love anything...

On his pillow a bright penny will lay.
But understanding cannot be bought
When he’s gone so far away.

One of many in a teary cache
To purchase this absent thought;
On his pillow a bright penny will lay.

From fearful words I had to say
His heart and soul is much distraught
But understanding cannot be bought.

For his love, God’s love, I did betray.
The price for sin my heart is taught
On his pillow a bright penny will lay.

Tormented by demons I could not slay
Nor can I love God as I ought
When he’s gone so far away

With me, for my fears, he cannot pray
Because I’m snared and surely caught
On his pillow a bright penny will lay
When he's gone so far away.

01/07/2007