John Lawless Poet Villanelle

Alone He Stands Behind the Plow

alone he stands behind the plow
in footrace with the lengthened dawn
a shadow figure in the now

pursues the where and when and how
of unseen reins so slowly drawn
alone he stands behind the plow

each furrow’s end a prayerful bow
an homage paid – dark soil turned fawn
a shadow figure in the now

a twisted plowmans daily prowl
his dream - horizon’s distant pawn
alone he stands behind the plow

as rutted field and furrowed brow
leave in the mist the endless song
a shadow figure in the now

in answer to where, when, and how
sweet memories dark furrows spawn
alone he stands behind the plow
a shadow figure in the now



©1/16/2018

Contest: Villanelle Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Nina Parmenter

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Gregory Richard Barden January 27, 2019 at 3:32 AM This is fantastic, John, absolutely gorgeous, with exquisite phrasing and such vivid, tangible imagery and metaphor ... so many great poems in this one, and it must have been hard for Nina to judge. It is SO tough to finalize a premiere contest when you have twenty-or-more superb writes and only ten slots, (you and I have been on both sides of that). Adding to my favorites - enjoyed this thoroughly, my friend! Keep up the great work! :-)

Heidi Sands January 23, 2019 at 9:53 AM Well written Villanelle! Great :)