Ash Wednesday Villanelle

Editor’s Note: Just in time for Lent, here is an Ash Wednesday villanelle from Thomas Banks, a classical educator and poet.

You too, I think, as I do, tire
Of living by your own best guess.
Not great enough was our desire.

The best our any wish could sire
Had something shameful to confess.
You too, I think, as I do, tire,

Wish concupiscence would retire,
But still our protests end with yes.
Not great enough was our desire.

The beach was near, but the drab mire
I much preferred, for all the mess–
You too, I think. As I do tire

Of song and dance, the dying fire
Strains, but cannot rise to excess.
Not great enough was our desire.

Does habit change her old attire,
Or recluses their old address?
These too, I think, as we do, tire.
That is not too much to desire.

Posted on
Category: Poetic Vision
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”