The Writes of Spring (villanelle)

By dwells

Each spring I clean that closet in my head
Old fashions, as some friends, go out with style
Emancipate the living from the dead

I have the gift to turn gold into lead
My shortcuts all become the longest mile
Each spring I clean that closet in my head

My skeletons have all been interbred
I keep my demons simple; lacking guile
Emancipate the living from the dead

Forgiveness flees when all is painted red
Reunions cancelled for a little while
My decency remains a single shred

The hungry years demanding to be fed
The budding Spring suggests another trial
My leeches plagued by ticks as I am bled

The upper crust removed from all my bread
Another tome to grace the compost pile
Each spring I clean that closet in my head
Emancipate the living from the dead

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Published on Saturday, April 2, 2016. Filed under: "Philosophical" and "Poetry"

Author's Note:

took a few liberties with the form

Comments on "The Writes of Spring (villanelle)"

On Monday, March 25, 2019, sTr8-jAcKeT (697) wrote:

I think I observed the subtlety within this poem. The leeches and the ticks, both competing for ample life force. Eternal conflict much as the Nephilim between Angels & Demons; both representations of forces inside yourself competing to either write or stifle that writing. Maybe? Idk, just what occurred in my head. The message here regardless is very truth, thanks.
A former member wrote: I love the words u use to describe what's in your head. Too many awesome lines to pick out a favourite here. Excellent ink
On Wednesday, April 6, 2016, TropicalSnowstorm (1580) wrote:

Man, you nailed this one! This is chock full of awesome turns of phrases like "Each spring I clean that closet in my head" and "I have the gift to turn gold into lead". Great piece! Ciao, T/S
On Monday, April 4, 2016, Dimensions (94) wrote:

"My skeletons have all been interbred" Very interesting choice of words. Awesome read!
On Sunday, April 3, 2016, lupus tenebrae (860) wrote:

I've always enjoyed your interpretation of villanelle, Dan, it merges the traditional form with one of my favourite adaptations, the terzanelle, doing so, you've managed to make it your own; really lends well to the subject matter, I've been evicting my own skeletons, too. Good to see you around these parts, again.
On Sunday, April 3, 2016, tmanzano (207) wrote:

I love a good old fashion as I do this awaking of spring. It made me feel as though I was coming out from under heavy blankets and go look for that shortcut you had mentioned here. Bravo sir...
On Sunday, April 3, 2016, Phalanx (628) wrote:

This I have to keep. I hope you don't mind. This is quite truly an amazing work.
On Saturday, April 2, 2016, soul_versing (774) wrote:

A much needing reading, subdue those inner skeletons indeed. Great piece... love your face. -Bows