Uh-oh, poetry alert. It's a vilanelle, an archaic verse form I'd never heard of until forced to write on as part of my course at Chester Uni. It involves the repetition of certain refrains. Although the form dates from the 17th century, there are some more recent famous examples, particularly Dylan Thomas's 'Go Not Gentle Into That Good Night'. I'm quite proud of this, actually, because I worked bloody hard on it. I had to. I hadn't written any poetry since I was in the sixth form, and that, needless to say, was shit.
My past loves, poised to poison new love now,
Shout doubts from the shadows to remind me
The demands of love are too much anyhow.
I wonder what time, this time, is allowed
Till old wounds open and you’re forced to see
My past loves, poised to poison new love now?
Lost lovers are my saints, my hurts hallowed;
Share my faith in failure, you’ll soon agree
The demands of love are too much anyhow.
It need not take deception, we need not row,
Nor cheat, nor tire; these are the enemies:
My past loves, poised to poison new love now.
New lover to old lover must kowtow,
I can’t forgive; or forget my worn decree:
The demands of love are too much anyhow.
But I bow my head as you make your vow,
Pretend no doubt in your power to free
My past loves from poisoning your love now.
Your arms of love may prove stronger anyhow.
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I like this.
ReplyDeletebrilliant. I want to get into poetry, not writing it though, too much bloody effort that. i'm currently reading the ryan adams book of poetry
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