Woodsprite ⁓ (gentle fantasy)

Villanelle: One I selected for you from the archives.

                             1st Place Winner

                                                          

                    Blue Rose Villanelle Contest

Author's Note

"VILLANELLE"

The Villanelle is Italian (later French), feminine of villanello ‘rural', diminutive of villano ‘peasant'. A form of Italian part-song originating in Naples in the 16th century, in rustic style with a vigorous rhythm.
Each line ends in a rhyme, either "A1" “a” "A2" or “b” with "A1" and "A2" rhymes repeated as refrains; each line is of the same syllable count, and that count is of the writer's choosing … I chose 10 syllables (5 poetic feet) in iambic pentameter, for a nice flow and even tempo; the lines are composed in five Tercets (3 line verses) and a concluding Quatrain (4 line verse), giving the Villanelle 19 total lines.

A1 = Exact Repeat Refrains
a = End Line Rhymes with A1, A2, and all other a's
b = End Line Rhymes with all other b's
A2
 = Exact Repeat Refrains

Thus, the end line rhymes and Refrain repetitions are as follows:
Verse 1: A1 b A2

Verse 2: a b A1
Verse 3: a b A2
Verse 4: a b A1

Verse 5: a b A2

Quatrain: a b A1 A2

One of the most noted examples of the Villanelle form is Welsh poet Dylan Thomas’, “Do not go gentle into that good night”.
Try this form, have fun and enjoy the challenge … the beauty in the end is well worth the effort, and you'll be a better, more accomplished poet for it.

Please, feel free to critique my work, offering anything you feel will help improve it! ✍

Reviews

[William Michael Reeves]

Love the ending. Eternal youth. You are a wordsmith of a caliber I've never been shot with. I've been wounded by Poe. Grazed by Frost. And took a shotgun blast from Gorman. But you hit my bullseye here in the heart of my brain. Please do take aim again!!

[Richard🖌]

Thanks for reading me again, Bill 👍

Your compliment is certainly appreciated … glad this one was right on target for you.

Keep-on smiling! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Cherie Story]

At first I was skeptical, though now I see you did justice to the title of the poem! I love fantasy and favorite meter is villanelle. Worthy of Daniel Thomas himself.

[Richard🖌]

Goodness, Cherie!
To mention my work and Daniel Thomas' in the same breath is more than an humble bard could hope for, but I'll take it and cherish your lovely touch, so very much. : )
Seems the site did not send notice of several reviews on the day you gifted me yours … sorry I missed it then, but love it just the same now. ; )

I'll be sure to drop by your place real soon … warmest thanks, Dear Poetess! ⁓ Richard

[Courtney M Watson]

Oh my, I'm in love with the theme of this poem. It is hard to follow a scheme and still keep such composure and sense. Kudos.

[Richard🖌]

Oh-MY!
Thank you, dear Courtney!
It is such a pleasure to receive lovely words of praise and enjoyment as yours express for this wispy little piece.
Sorry, but the site did not let me know of your review … I love it all the same. ; )

Warmest hugs to Thee! ⁓ Richard

[Isabella Ivy]

Truthfully, the above explanation of form is far too confusing to me. What I know, once reading the poem, is that it transported me to a place rich with beauty and delight, yet felt as though there was something hidden, mysterious, in spite of the golden aura, possibly, simply, that there's always another story to tell. I mean, what forest contains not shadows? So that I would advise the man! Or let his bliss be his demise! Such a lovely read. Thank you! In fondness, I.I.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Isabella, most warmly and gratefully! : )
Indeed, this one of the more complicated and challenging of poetical forms to compose in and teach, but as you can tell, a most fetching form to read and enjoy.
I agree, too, that the instructions are a bit difficult to wrap the mind around … I always intended to simplify them; so, thanks for reminding me; and, if you'd like to give this form a try, I'll let you know when I have.
Especially enjoyable about this review is your input of insight and creative thought … a lovely poem in itself.
Thank you, too, for the inspiring compliment … hugs to you! ⁓ Richard

[Isabella Ivy]

Yes, do! (Let me know) I can usually, eventually figure it out comparing instruction and example. And 'twas my pleasure, entirely. Affectionately, I.I.

[Einstein Noodle]

your title drew me as i have a Celtic heritage ... (among others) i think i tried this form once ..or something similar ..i must see if i can find it ..i think it was a collaboration with Zahra the Magnificent ;) the lilting dance and positive magic runs throughout ... i must disagree with CD (your featured comment) CD ...there really fairies ... no doubt about it ... one actually tattooed itself on me arm ;)
E.

[Richard🖌]

Diolch yn fawr, Fy Chyfaill,

Pay me no attention, E, it's just my Welsh side emerging … LOL!
How happy it makes me to receive the privilege of two of your excellent reviews in the span of a single day.
I hope you find yours and will share it with me … I feel certain it would be/will be a bit more than a little interesting.
Shhh! Don't let CD know there really ARE dylwyth teg (Welsh for fairies).

Thanks, E, for making poeting such fun! ⁓ Rhychart

[Einstein Noodle]

roinnimid Bráithreachas sin ! (we share a brotherhood then ...Gaelic) ;)

[Richard🖌]

Yes, Y Frawdoliaeth Gaeleg ein bod yn rhannu, "the Gaelic Brotherhood that we share" … You the Irish, I the Welsh … our blood runs green and red, soaring free unto the four winds.

[Einstein Noodle]

hootin' an' a-hollerin' all the way!!!!! :)

[CD Campbell]

A very fine Villanelle, Richard. Your archaic use of words fit the subject matter exquisitely. The one gripe I do have is that as a grown man you should know there is no such thing as woodsprites, fairies, bogeyman, trolls, etc. LOL. All in all, this was read as light verse masterfully done. Look forward to reading more of your work. CD

[Richard🖌]

Thank you for reading this one, CD,
I really enjoyed your entertaining comments on it!
If there is anyone who will understand how a certain genre of wording befits harmoniously the mode and mood of their mated poem, It definitely would be you — I'm thinking.
Ha-hah! How right you are, too, about the goblins and such; but, you know how our little boys like to come out every now and again to frolic with our pens' more faerytale-ish imaginations, eh?
This one was more fun than I should admit … I ought'a do another — of some sort. : )
Yes, please, read any and all that catch your eye … I'd appreciate and enjoy that.

Thanks again for the visit, My Friend! ⁓ Richard

[Raylene]

1. The imagination amazing I could see her dancing in your hand.
2. The language I love it cause it brings the essence of the dream land together.
3. The font truly fits this poem so does The photo.
4. You may oh get complaints from younger readers who do not understand the words.
5. You catch all elements in this piece bravo

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Dear Raylene! : )

You've warmed and brightened my day, bringing joy, encouragement, and assurance that my humble little efforts to please and entertain my readers is not for naught.

Your praise, expressed enjoyment, and keen comments make my heart dance with happiness and gratitude.

Sweet Raylene, "younger readers" will not elevate their poetic vocabulary by reading words only on their level, and more than will become better poets by reading only poems written by "younger" writers … plus, they should become more proficient dictionary users, eh(?) … LOL!

Thank you (again), M'Lady, for selecting this little fantasy to read and review, and most definitely for the accolades … bless you, Raylene! ⁓ Richard

[Raylene]

Anytime my dear Richard

[Renée]

As always beautiful work, My mind hides behind a tree and peeks out to see the visions you painted with your words..
I enjoy the way you break it down for us, so we all have the opportunity to learn the forms of poetry.
Thank you for sharing so much..

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Renée … thank you ever-so warmly for your playfully sweet review! : )
I love how you came skipping along to shyly join-in the fantasy … what better for two having fun than adding one, eh? Voyeur that ye be! ; )
I would love reading and reviewing your version of the Villanelle, Renée; please, let me know if you do one.
Big hugs and grateful smiles to you, Dear Poetess! ⁓ Richard

[Renée]

It was my pleasure Mr. Richard. I am quite fond of the fantasy world and beautiful poetry. Beren and Luthien are a favorite of mine btw.. I will defiantly give this form a go..and when it is finish I will let you know. ( :

[Lyn Anderson]

A beautiful poem in both presentation and subject matter -- it has a light, airy feel, exactly the way a poem of such subjects should.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, KL! : )
Your grasp and praise of this unusual bit of romantic whimsy are so warmly welcomed, reassuring, and gratifying to my hopes of a successful sharing with those whom will enjoy and appreciate my little efforts.
I thank you most humbly and happily … hugs 'n smiles! ⁓ Richard

[GalaxyGhost]

The line describing the birdsong in the air absolutely stood out because it painted a picturesque forest where the fairies and wood sprites live. It is very much like a Christopher Marlowe poem like the Shepherd's poem to the nymph.

Now this poem to me has a meaning of a longing for someone or something that we want, stolen our hearts, but it is somehow out of reach. Sometimes we long for things long into our old age and still cannot reach it. It is like the poem "The Goblin Market" by Christina Rosetti where in her poem, describes a girl who tasted the fruits from the market and longs for it again, even on the point of even losing her life. Overall, I love how this poem reflects a longing for dreams and things.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Lady Poet, and welcome to my pages! 😃
Your praise and appreciation truly inspire and gratify my efforts to compose and share with my fellow and lady-poets.
You instincts about the author of this piece is quite astoundingly remarkable, too!
Whom would object to their work being compared to such greats as you've chosen; albeit, blushworthy, but I'll keep them, anyway. : )
I bow most gratefully and humbly, in sincere thanks to you for such a deeply touching review! ⁓ Richard

[GalaxyGhost]

You are welcome!

[Shabeeh Haider]

This is a wonderful Vilanelle. You make it appear so simple. Repeating a line in a poem and still being able to continue with the flow is amazing. I have tried my hand at it and believe me it is one of the difficult forms of poetry.
This poem has taken us on a beautiful fairy tale ride.
"You write and your words...they stole my heart away."

[Richard🖌]

Dear Shabeeh,
Coming from a poet of your skills, your words of praise and appreciation for this little composition is far more than I could have anticipated, but I love it!
You are quite correct, My Friend; it is a challenging form to get right, but so worthwhile in satisfaction to a bard's efforts when it finally is; plus, the writing skill gained is more than equal to the labors.
Bless you, your lovely, expressive heart … thank you! ⁓ Richard