I wrote this villanelle before I died

Could you write a poem if you tried?
It’s just a few black patterns on the page.
I  wrote this villanelle  before I died

Would you write free verse,  just on the side?
Or would the lack of form  make you enraged?
Could you write a poem if you tried?

Do you  know what manners like to hide?
Would you keep your black  dog in a cage?
I wrote this villanelle  before I died

Has your ink got all glued up and dried?
Does your handwriting  fit  on the page?
Could you write a poem if you tried?

Write all day and weep  when you decide
My cat and I have now become engaged
I wrote this villanelle  before I died

Do  not let the critics you deride
At the worst, you ‘ll start a brand new page
Could you write a poem if you tried?
I  wrote this villanelle  before I died