Lin’s Focus on Villanelle
Here is my first villanelle, from 2009. I found it very interesting and challenging to work in a rhymed form instead of my usual free verse. It was also a stretch to work to a rhyming pattern, but I managed it. I hope to see some of your villanelles posted here!
Love’s Progress
– A villanelle-
By
Lin Neiswender
Love takes wing and flies away
Shy Cupid with arrows adrift
Leaves mere mortals to seize the day
Blushing glances longings betray
Pulses beating now more swift
Love takes wing and flies away
Stem by stem a sweet bouquet
Rose and lilac scents do lift
Leaves mere mortals to seize the day
Soft low voices fears allay
Giving fear a mere short shrift
Love takes wing and flies away
New lover’s whisper, a tender play
Hearts will meet then souls uplift
Leaves mere mortals to seize the day
One kiss may give passion sway
A final tender parting gift
Love takes wing and flies away
Leaves mere mortals to seize the day
©2009 Lin Neiswender
Previously published in Love and Other Passions, 2012