I started with a challenge-calm and well
A formal poem for formal poetry's sake
Was sure that I could write a villanelle.
I laboured long and languished 'neath its spell
My brain was bent and burning at the stake
Perplexed, I tried to write a villanelle.
And after I descended into hell
With rhyme scheme that no simple peace can make
I questioned why I'd write a villanelle.
My moaning and complaint on deaf ears fell
My brother thought it was some kind of cake
Amused, I tried to write a villanelle.
Inhumane ink, these bitter words I spell
A cursed, ill-formed creature I did make
Euthanize and flee this villainelle!
And now I've but a sorry tale to tell
My pride is gone, my hubris a mistake
I've given up on writing villanelles.
