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Lisa Andradez's avatar

Oooh.... You're making poets out of us Nelly!!! 😂 Looking forward to trying this one, and I too can only ever think of Jodie Comer when it comes to a Villanelle but I'll try to not let that get in the way.... 😂

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Nelly Bryce's avatar

Phew. Was slightly nervous I was alone on that front 🤣

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Tara Connor's avatar

Ooooh! I love villanelles. I've been feeling a bit of summer sluggishness and needing some inspiration. I was thinking a return to some closed forms might provide the structure I need to get back on track. Just the nudge I needed. Thank you, Nelly! And here's a link to a villanelle I wrote while back. Or it's mostly a villanelle. I take a few liberties. You can't always follow ALL the rules: https://open.substack.com/pub/connort/p/a-song-for-sunday?r=dvsrv&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

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Gloria Horton-Young's avatar

villanelle

The Dog Days of Summer

In languid heat the dog days slowly pass,

When summer's scorching breath holds earth in thrall.

The sun beats down on withered blades of grass.

The air hangs heavy like a leaden mass,

Oppressive stillness stifles like a pall.

In languid heat the dog days slowly pass.

Cicadas drone; their tempo will not last

Once August wanes toward cooler days of fall.

The sun beats down on withered blades of grass

That crunch like kindling, dry and sere. Alas,

Relief remains beyond the far-off squall.

In languid heat the dog days slowly pass.

Mirages shimmer, rippling like clear glass,

While distant clouds drift by in stately crawl.

The sun beats down on withered blades of grass.

At last the shadows lengthen and amass

As dusk descends with evening's welcome shawl.

In languid heat the dog days slowly pass.

The sun beats down on withered blades of grass.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Rebecca Marie's avatar

Oh my goodness. Villanelles are lovely! I’m terrified! I only ever do free form but I am so intrigued to try. Poetry Pals is a delightful new find for me. Thanks!

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Ellen Clayton's avatar

Oh wow, villanelles are TOUGH! We love a challenge though 🙌🏻 I’ve tried this form once before a few years ago but I definitely want to attempt to write another 😍

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Vanessa Napolitano's avatar

I'm trying to make this the summer of villanelles! I really want to get more comfortable with form.

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Nelly Bryce's avatar

Ooh the summer of villanelles!!! Hope you’ll come back on Friday and share one with us x

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Tamsin's avatar

Now how strict on half rhymes are we going to be on this?

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Lisa O'Hare's avatar

I have had a mega busy week so hopefully I’ll get time to try a villanelle over the weekend

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Lisa O'Hare's avatar

But I love the ones I’ve read

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Jul 28
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Nelly Bryce's avatar

Ha, I know right. Urgh and also, 🤔

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