Villanelle

Description: "and back." is a 19 line Villanelle written in Iambic Pentameter using the Rhyme Scheme "A1bA2 abA1 abA2 abA1 abA2 abA1A2

and back.

To try and write the perfect villanelle

you must stare down the page without a gain.

Iambic meter weaves its way through hell.

Its goal for you within its lines does dwell

a challenge primmer poets love. Refrain

to try and write the perfect villanelle.

Mistakes within its lines will want to quell

artistic tries. Its path is paved. Its plain

iambic meter weaves its way through hell

and back. Through words and words that never tell

you how, though you think on "how," with disdain,

"to try and write the perfect villanelle?"

Before you know your brain begins to swell

and thump your skull: The beat! The beat! Insane

iambic meter weaves its way through hell

today. I'm done. I'll climb back up this well

of wealth. It's time for me to leave this plane

to try and write the perfect villanelle!

Iambic meter weaves its way through hell

--M. Justin Richard

With contributions from

Natalie Blasdel &

Professor Allen Rice