Although the villanelle is one of the most complicated forms of poetry, it has the ability to be one of the most poetic. Crafting your first (or hundredth for that matter) can be an overwhelming task, but by following the rules and using a few tips, you too can add the great villanelle to your list of accomplishments.
The Form
The villanelle is made up of 19 lines: five stanzas of three lines and one stanza of four lines, with two rhymes and two refrains throughout.
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Remains (By: Megan Wyatt)
Line 1 – (a) 1st Refrain Don’t try to find somebody to blame,
Line 2 – (b) pick up the pieces of yesterdays, though
Line 3 – (a) 2nd Refrain only smoldering rubble will remain.
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Line 4 – (a) You have no one to admire. What a shame
Line 5 – (b) you haven’t forgiven those you know.
Line 6 – (a) 1st Refrain Don’t try to find somebody to blame.
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Line 7 – (a) Attempt to use a forklift or a crane
Line 8 – (b) to haul the baggage, which you cannot show:
Line 9 – (a) 2nd Refrain Only smoldering rubble will remain.
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Line 10 – (a) Stop trying to impress her without a name
Line 11 – (b) of your own. Take care, and leave slow:
Line 12 – (a) 1st Refrain Don’t try to find somebody to blame.
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Line 13 – (a) Hurry! Move through the town with no restrain,
Line 14 – (b) you are never going to learn to let go:
Line 15 – (a) 2nd Refrain Only smoldering rubble will remain.
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Line 16 – (a) Disregard everything that you could claim
Line 17 – (b) as your own, and look in the mirror, so
Line 18 – (a) 1st Refrain don’t try to find somebody to blame,
Line 19 – (a) 2nd Refrain only smoldering rubble will remain.
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Choosing a Topic
Be cautious when choosing a topic to write about, keeping in mind that you’ll need to not only use words with the capability to rhyme well (especially the a rhyme), but you will also need to choose two lines with the ability to be repeated in different contexts throughout. Choose a broad topic and repeating lines that you are able to work specific examples into.
Crafting the Repeating Lines
Once you have found a suitable topic, design your two refrains, each ending in easily-rhymed words, as a coherent whole. Take the above example, for instance, “Don’t try to find somebody to blame, only smoldering rubble will remain.” Together, the lines form a sentence, but each can be used independently to the stanza it concludes.
Writing the Poem
Once you have decided on your two lines, insert them into the poem. Make a list of words that fit into your rhyme scheme, and write phrases that work with and compliment your two refrains.
Usually, the villanelle is written in tetrameter or pentameter, but modern day villanelles can be written in another rhythm. Try to use the same number of syllables per line to maintain proper rhythm and sound in the poem.
Try using enjambment when possible, phrasing the lines so they flow into each other, instead of ending each line in a comma or period. This keeps the repetition of lines and end rhymes from sounding too stiff or sing-songy.
Remember that the villanelle is one of the most difficult forms of poetry, so do not be overwhelmed if you have difficulty or don’t succeed on first try. Keep practicing this form and other forms of poetry to craft lyric and meaningful poems.
Related Reading:
- How to Write a Sestina
- Editing Poetry for Empty Words
- How to Be More Creative
Megan B. Wyatt - Megan B. Wyatt has a BA in English, edits fiction manuscripts and currently works as an entertainment reporter in Lafayette, Louisiana.
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