In search of… (a villanelle)

I pound the pavement in search of a rhyme
Shivering in wintery morning sun
Verse eludes me, perhaps ’tis not the time

Old memories buried under the grime
Warm’d by the eyes, by my heart they were spun
I pound the pavement in search of a rhyme

My sluggish mind can scarce weave lines sublime
But my feet dance to the tune forgotten
Verse eludes me, perhaps ’tis not the time

Tired and irate fifty-five stairs I climb
My feet stamping a da-dum, da-da-dum
I pound the pavement in search of a rhyme

My feet dance to the rhythm, my mind misrhymes
It does resemble a wide field barren
Verse eludes me, perhaps ’tis not the time

I continue to practise till the rhymes chime
Determined to give the iamb a run
I pound the pavement in search of a rhyme
Verse acquiesces, perhaps ’tis the time!

Written for dVerse. Today’s host, Ingrid, says: So, this week, I challenge you to write a poem in iambic pentameter. You can choose either blank verse (in which the pentameter is unrhymed) or a form such as a sonnet or villanelle. Ideally, you will take a walk as you work out the lines: either around your living room, in your garden, or perhaps out in nature. Pound the pavements and pathways until you get the sound you want, and don’t worry too much about writing it down until you’re happy with the result.

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82 thoughts on “In search of… (a villanelle)

  1. I like that slightly surrealistic style of writing — a poem about the frustrations of finding inspiration to write a poem, I like using that style or similar in prose sometimes. There were some (many, sorry!) very nice lines, with natural flow, but I did not know of this poetry form before this prompt, and find it a bit constrictive (noticed that with others)…probably cause I’m not a poet! Anyway, the tone was just right, the “dancing” feet, not getting bogged down into too much frustration and losing the plot..V well done..

    Liked by 3 people

    1. We call ourselves writers/poets but only time will tell how our writing is considered. Writing a villanelle is not difficult once you get the first three lines right. It was the iambic pentameter that took some time. We were taught in school to tap our feet to get it right, thus the dancing feet! So I ended up writing about the process. Thanks so much, Ain.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. The first 3 lines…oh dear..3 too many…! That was fun about the background for dancing feet…”only time will tell”…a very good statement…I think often we don’t look at our role in that as well..writing books is slightly different, but to me, poetry must be heard! I honestly think that poets such as yourself should really start a podcast site, and read the poetry aloud, and link to your site, using soundcloud or other sites. I think it is a must, in order to be properly received, and/or get others to read your poetry aloud and link it, that is also very interesting. I have loved poetry readings I attended, listening to poems being read. At dverse the open mike nights live were wonderful — next time we are not reading our own poetry but someone else’s on dverse. I shall, of course, after much thought, be reading one of your poems – because of the quality of the poetry. Anyway, just thoughts.

        Liked by 3 people

      2. Haha! Yup, it can seem too many!
        It is not that I am modest about my writing but when I see so many talented writers around me, I tend not to take my writer self too seriously.
        Just the other day Jane and I were discussing that because of oral traditions of earlier times, poetry was meant to be sung/recited and thus always rhymed.
        I like the idea of reading my poetry and link it but right now with everyone still working/studying from home, it is practically impossible. But one day.,.
        I am touched beyond words that you would like to read my poem. It would be such an honour believe me.
        If you ever do that I will have to ask Björn to make a recording.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. On medium.com there are monthly postings of writing/poetry competitions going on, I will find the link for the latest, mostly small amont of money, depends, but the money is not what makes the validation….”talented” yes…hides other words…consistent..quantity as well as quality, able to accept critism, willing to improve, and your words, yes..not taking oneself too seriously! Of course for reading poetry, so nice, yours, then later maybe one or two others here and there and send…that might be nice if a few do that,,oral..I remember in Saudi Arabia listener alwayschant the last word or syllable in a line after they hear it during a reading…was interesting…

        Liked by 2 people

      4. Here too, during Urdu poetry readings called ‘mushaira’ the listeners repeat there last line in appreciation, even for Hindi poetry as well.
        You are right about the validation, it is so important but at the same time so is criticism. We need to know our flaws, acknowledge our weaknesses and work on improving our writing.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Bravo, Punam, this is wonderful! It really answers the prompt by exploring the act of composing in this way. And I think you got your lines down perfect ❤️

    Liked by 3 people

  3. A lovely dancing villanelle – please tell me you were out skipping along the pavement as you wrote this in your head. I love that image.

    Liked by 3 people

  4. I keep telling myself (after more than a year) – perhaps ’tis not the time.
    We can’t be too hard on ourselves, but at least here we can slow down and wait for the right time to roll around.

    This one’s brilliant for so many reasons.

    Liked by 1 person

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