As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not much of a poetry buff. I’ve read very little, and know even less about it as an art form. Still, I’m a sucker for a rigid format, and poetry often stimulates that little itch.
I learned a new (for me) rigid format recently when a friend sent me a villanelle to read. After looking it up, I just had to try. So here’s my effort to scratch that little itch. Thanks, Justin!
Villanelle
I knew in the end I would fall.
Success can’t be found every day.
Oh, time, you make fools of us all.
From the hour I started to crawl,
Obstacles cluttered my way.
I knew in the end I would fall.
I rallied to answer youth’s call
And led with my heart through the fray.
Oh, time, you make fools of us all.
Then one day love turned to gall
And my hope began fading away.
I knew in the end I would fall.
No more do I stand quite so tall,
And the hairs on my head have turned gray.
Oh, time, you make fools of us all.
With innocence long past recall,
The piper at last claims his pay.
I knew in the end I would fall.
Oh, time, you make fools of us all.