Villanelle

Villanelles are required to have an intricate rhyme scheme and two lines that are refrains – like refrains in songs, they get repeated over and over.

The rhyme scheme is AbA' abA abA' abA abA' abAA, so there are only two rhymes that end all the lines.

In addition, the first line and third line, the refrains, are repeated four times each –

the first line appears at the end of stanzas 2 and 4 and as the second-to-last line in stanza 6.

The poem's third line appears again at the end of stanzas 3, 5, and 6.

So if we call the first line A and the third line A', and any line that rhymes with them a,

then the rhyme scheme is: AbA' abA abA' abA abA' abAA'

Example Poem:

Sensuality's Source

Arousal flows from love's thought and intent.

Thus age is harmless to this wife of mine.

A tease fulfilled, assures a mates ascent.

Desire for one another will invent

Innumerable paths leading to cloud nine.

Arousal flows from love's thought and intent.

Performance, age related, has been bent

by years;  her voice and touch revokes decline.

A tease fulfilled,  assures a mates ascent.

A failure now and then she'll not  resent

If he in other ways her wants enshrine.

Arousal flows from love's thought and intent.

Endearments overshadow the event

and fill two hearts most willing to entwine.

A tease fulfilled, assures a mates ascent.

Today's youth may not know how much is meant

by such commitment.  Love makes all things fine.

Arousal flows from love's thought and intent.

A tease fulfilled, assures a mates ascent.

© Lawrencealot - March, 2012

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