Villonnet The Villonnet is a 15-line hybrid form derived from the classic Villanelle and Sonnet forms. It is, to the best of my knowledge, the creation of my own hand (which may or may not improve its value). It borrows from the Sonnet its iambic pentameter and general stanza structure, and from the Villanelle its rhyme scheme and repetition elements. The form, in its original state, has 15 lines, divided into four stanzas. The first three stanzas are quatrains (from Sonnet) the last is a tercet (from Villanelle). The rhyme scheme proper is A1 b b A2 a c c A1 a d d A2 A1 e A2 (from Villanelle) As you can see, the last line of the second stanza (S2L4) is a repeat of the first line of the poem (S1L1), and the last line of the third stanza (S3L4) is a duplication of the last line of the first stanza (S1L4). These are both repeated in the first and third lines of the closing tercet (S4L1,3) From the examples below, you will see that you can use the form in a whimsical manner or a serious one, and you can even play with the rhyme scheme to mimic the sonnet even more. There is no reason to limit the type of scheme; even eliminate it altogether, as in blank verse. You will find the examples to be an evolving experience, showing slight variations to the rhyme schemes and structures of the pieces. The challenge is to use the repetition effectively within its succinct framework. After all, six of the fifteen lines are the same, leaving only eleven with which to tell the rest of the story. Have fun, Doug
Villonnet Examples: Truth of Lies a Villonnet ~ with only A/a & b rhymes I’ve yet to meet a lie that didn’t smile while pleading with my ignorance’s trust; indeed, if truth be told, it is a must, in order to conceal the tongue of guile. Prevarication is a gastric bile erupting from the bowels of selfish lust; and thus, to masquerade as something just, I’ve yet to meet a lie that didn’t smile. Disinformation cannot put a mile between itself and what its victim trusts; it seeks to be a breeze and not a gust in order to conceal the tongue of guile. I’ve yet to meet a lie that didn’t smile; canards portray as gold what’s really rust in order to conceal the tongue of guile. © D. Allen Jenkins
American Express(ion of faith) a Villonnet ~ without b c d rhyme I often use American Express— especially if ordering Chinese, and I am in a hurry to check out; convenience is a god that I confess I’ll call upon when under high duress. So many things within my day are slow to come about, and so to bring some haste, I often use American Express which expedites the matter, more or less, to meet my expectations and desires. And thus, I must again to you confirm convenience is a god that I confess. I often use American Express and will affirm this article of faith: Convenience is a god- that I confess. © D. Allen Jenkins
1274554721 (In Memorial) a Villonnet ~ without b c d rhyme I have no sense of what this day must mean for those who long ago endured the pain of tyranny, and yet survived to tell this younger generation of the scenes their youthful minds have never known, or seen, or yet conceived, except through celluloid of black and white; my heart can only sigh— I have no sense of what this day must mean. Remember this we must! lest we be weaned from history’s sour milk, and start to feign the lie as truth. Do not forsake to teach this younger generation of the scenes. I have no sense of what this day must mean to those whose fleshy numbers still remind this younger generation of the scenes. © D. Allen Jenkins
Time lost is never found again. - Ben Franklin Momentary Lapses [b]a Villonnet ~ 16 lines, with extra e-line rhyme As moments vanish, never to return, does their demise produce a hint of tears— or do we think the balance of our years outweighs the minute instances we spurn? In youth, we seldom find the cause to yearn for hours lost to playful ignorance— but autumn often steals a second glance as moments vanish, never to return. There’s wisdom in the soul which early learns that opportunity’s a fruitful friend— but does its value, can its dividends, outweigh the minute instances we spurn? As moments vanish, never to return, our desperation seeks for wisdom’s gate to see if reconciliation’s fate outweighs the minute instances we spurn. © D. Allen Jenkins
Shadow Colors a Villonnet ~ without b c d rhyme The cross of black and white is more than gray- for in between is where we find line's worth concealed behind the understandable, beneath the shadows cast on sunny days, where weaker minds would seldom dare foray for fear of finding something hidden there that might compel their thinking to conclude the cross of black and white is more than gray. And so they smile while going on their way- denying any venture from the path; precluding the discovery of peace beneath the shadows cast on sunny days. The cross of black and white is more than gray, and hearts of courage often find their rest beneath the shadows cast on sunny days. © D. Allen Jenkins
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