Directions...
Write a villanelle—a song-like poem form made popular
by the French in the 1500s. It involves a pattern of repeated lines, which beautifully build the theme of the poem.
It also features a simple rhyme scheme. As always, write about whatever
you want. Be creative. Work with the simplicity to create something intricate. In the form outline that follows, "A1" and
"A2" indicate full lines to be repeated, while "a" and "b" denote end-rhymes of the other lines.
A1 (refrain)
b
A2 (refrain)
a
b
A1 (refrain)
a
b
A2 (refrain)
a
b
A1 (refrain)
a
b
A2 (refrain)
a
b
A1
A2 (refrain)
|
Example...
Mad Girl's Love Song
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead;
I lift my lids and all is born again.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)
The stars go waltzing out in blue and red,
And arbitrary darkness gallops in:
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.
I dreamed that you bewitched me into bed
And sung me moon-struck, kissed me quite insane.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)
God topples from the sky, hell's fires fade:
Exit seraphim and Satan's men:
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.
I fancied you'd return the way you said.
But I grow old and I forget your name.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)
I should have loved a thunderbird instead;
At least when spring comes they roar back again.
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)
-Sylvia Plath
Rules...
Email your challenge pieces to submissions@thewrit.org.
Each writer may submit up to two of these. The Writ Editors
will choose the most creative and well-written piece, as well
as a "runner-up." The prize: fame and praise. All
of the submitted challenge pieces will be published in the
April 2004 issue.
The Writ Challenge is separate from our regular submission process. Please feel free
to submit up to four pieces of writing per month, in addition to your Writ Challenge pieces.
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