It Burns (villanelle in monorhyme)

By dwells

 From memory, the smell of death the wood smoke does convey
A foreign friend will bring our end, imperiled we delay
We gave the devil matches; then invited him to stay

The screaming dreams, primordial, of those who lost their way
As they attempt to justify their errant feet of clay
From memory, the smell of death the wood smoke does convey

No war was ever civil when the devil has his day
But “war” is not the proper word when winners have to pay
We gave the devil matches; then invited him to stay

In village squares the wood was stacked as pious men did pray
Repentant as the flames rejoiced to carry sin away
From memory, the smell of death the wood smoke does convey

The forest creatures know this when the axes come to play
The firebugs among us have a god they must obey
We gave the devil matches; then invited him to stay

A bitter tang rides on the wind; what happened, none will say
The shroud of our destruction in the ashes, cold and gray
From memory, the smell of death the wood smoke does convey
We gave the devil matches; then invited him to stay

Unauthorized Copying Is Prohibited. Ask the author first.
Copyright 2016 dwells
Published on Wednesday, December 7, 2016.     Filed under: "Structured" and "Poetry"

Author's Note:

A brief history of fire perhaps?
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Comments on "It Burns (villanelle in monorhyme)"

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  • sTr8-jAcKeT On Monday, March 25, 2019, sTr8-jAcKeT (735)By person wrote:

    Oh fire your footnote says! I could have swore this was describing the U.S. presidency. Had to man, had to.

  • Noel Haiasi On Friday, December 9, 2016, Noel Haiasi (36)By person wrote:

    Superbly written, there's something about well structured poetry that sates my mind's ravenous appetite and this was no exception. I loved every line, especially "We gave the devil matches, then invited him to stay." Keep it coming friend!

  • dwells On Thursday, December 8, 2016, dwells (4289)By person wrote:

    A. Mo, Lily, and Slo - many thanks for all of your thoughtful and valued comments on my works. We all need some positive re-enforcement on occasion to stay motivated and feel validated in so many ways. Cheers all! - Dan

  • molock On Wednesday, December 7, 2016, molock (314)By person wrote:

    this is an ominous tale. you are a true warrior my friend. this is a pleasure to read, I loved every line. peace brother. mo

  • sIo On Wednesday, December 7, 2016, sIo (926)By person wrote:

    Brilliantly written!!! This is fantastic! The rhythm and tone is on key like a metronome. I read it out loud to myself and it was just like silk.

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