How to write a villanelle
The first and third lines are repeated throughout so they are the key.
They also form the last two lines.
So write two lines.I use five beats [iambic pentameter]
I have lost my mind in dreams and thoughts
What’s of value’s not by effort bought
A villanelle has 5 stanzas of three lines and then one of 4 lines
I decided to alter the first line after musing over it.And I altered it again when repeating it because I like to do that.My thoughts change it as I move alon
Dreams, my wordless thoughts.
I have filled my mind with dreams and thoughts
I have drawn conclusions that seem real
What’s of value’s not by effort bought.
As Ted Hughes said, his fishing was the sport
Which brought both meditation and a meal.
I have studied minds and dreams and thoughts
You see ,like that, new images are caught.
In silence and in noticing the feel
What’s of value’s not by effort bought.
What we find may not be what we sought
At first ,it may not show its wise appeal
I have found a mind by dreams and thoughts
In the night the images take flight.
God’s lioness destroys what is congealed
What’s of value’s not by effort wrought.
Like a butterfly, a flowering dart
Of love and beauty which was once concealed
I have found my mind by dreams, my wordless thoughts.
What’s of value’s not by effort bought.
Well, a first draft…. why don’t you try?
How my heart sings 