THE CHILD AT THE WINDOW (My Only Attempt at a Villanelle)

Haiku 130, The Art of Joan Schulze

THE CHILD AT THE WINDOW
(A Dream-Based Villanelle; written 1990)

I turn in dream to face my ancient pain,
drawn on by light from your mantic moon-like face:
O, lambent child behind the window pane.

I wake when fear descends like sudden rain,
attempt to shake your gentle questing trace:
O, darkling child, whose nimbus does not wane.

Though blur this sight I try, your eyes remain,
steeped deep in trembling light I can't erase:
O, lambent child behind the window pane.

I hear you weep from your lonely, sere domain
And know you are the one I can't replace:
O, darkling child, whose nimbus does not wane.

Your rise brings pain and sorrow, yet is no bane,
but heals, and only asks for safe embrace:
O, lambent child behind the window pane.

Though worlds unwind, your shining's not in vain.
The love for life you weave will not unlace.
You spin, sweet child within, in every vein:
O, lambent child behind the window pane.

* * * *

I hesitate even to call the above a villanelle, as I've since heard there are subtleties to the form I was not aware of when I wrote it. However, it was my first (and still only) attempt at the form. Since it does capture for me the dream and my waking from it I share it here. That abused child I was has again been presenting herself for my embrace. Just re-reading this poem and typing this post has helped her.

Resource:How to Write a Villanelle, just in case you are interested in this form.

‘til next time, keep dreaming,

Roswila
[aka: Patricia Kelly]
****If you wish to copy or use any of my writing or poems, please email me for permission (under “View my complete profile”)****My other blog: ROSWILA’S TAROT GALLERY & JOURNAL.