This one is an experiment with a poetic form called the 'Villanelle'. A villanelle is a somewhat complex poem structure characterized by only two rhyme sounds, refrains that alternate as the third line of each successive stanza, and a total of nineteen lines across six stanzas.
For the longest time, I used to read the word 'Villanelle' incorrectly as 'Villainelle' (what can I say, blame my dyslexia). To make up for my disappointment at discovering my error, I decided it was time someone wrote a real 'Villain-elle'. Here it is:
For the longest time, I used to read the word 'Villanelle' incorrectly as 'Villainelle' (what can I say, blame my dyslexia). To make up for my disappointment at discovering my error, I decided it was time someone wrote a real 'Villain-elle'. Here it is:
CURSES: A Villain-elle
By Vikram Madan
I scheme and plot and plan in vain.
Once more I gnash my teeth and sigh:
And curses, I've been foiled again!
My dream is simple, sweet and plain
To rule this world from sea to sky
I scheme and plot and plan (in vain!)
What use my I.Q., my big brain
When fate just scoffs and pokes my eye
And curses! - I've been foiled again!
My death-star, robots, spider-rain,
My dino-clones … all gone, while I,
I scheme and plot and plan in vain
For no soon have I made some gain
When up pops up some super-guy
- And curses, I've been foiled again!
I'll NEVER give up my campaign
One day I'll win and no more cry:
I scheme and plot and plan in vain,
And curses, I've been foiled again!
Text and Illustration Copyright © 2012 Vikram MadanFor more Villanelle fun, here are two of the more famous Villanelles in english poetry:
- Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas
- One Art by Elizabeth Bishop
