Joyce Johnson Poet Villanelle

At Risk

Risking his life, he does not see the end.
Living his days as there were more to come.
Blind to the truth that's coming 'round the bend.

Recklessly thinking he has time to spend,
Wastes the good days, ensnared by demon rum.
Risking his life, he does not see the end.

Day after day in one another blend.
The wiles of drink have caused him to succumb.
Blind to the truth that's coming 'round the bend.

So many good men can't bad habits mend.
The wake up call won't come in time for some.
Risking his life, he does not see the end.

His friends all beg, he's too good at pretend.
He marches only to his lover's drum.
Blind to the truth that's coming 'round the bend.

His senses gone, he struggles in bedlam.
Nor notes the slowing of the pendulum.
Risking his life, he does not see the end.
Blind to the truth that's coming 'round the bend.

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Audrey Haick July 6, 2010 at 7:27 AM This is so very good, Joyce, I had to read it twice! COngratulations on your 5th Place win! Definitely goes to my favs. There's a saying from someplace that says, "What you love is what takes you out." True in this case. Love, audrey

Adeleke Adeite July 3, 2010 at 12:46 PM Great entry and a worthy win. Enjoy your winnings. keep up the great work. Love, Adeleke

Carrie Richards July 3, 2010 at 8:22 AM Beautifully done, Joyce!! Congratulations on this challenging villanelle, and your well deserved win! ~ Carrie

Linda-Marie Sweetheart July 3, 2010 at 6:37 AM Congrats Joyce on your winning poem in Dr. Ram's contest with this awesome write and win .. I agree with Andrea.. a great topic to choose for your theme .. enjoy another victory dance my friend.. with luv from the "Sweetheart" in Hawaii.. watching fireworks ..at 3 a.m...AlohA..

Andrea Dietrich July 3, 2010 at 12:32 AM great topic you chose, and congrats on your win. Iam seeing you here so much lately (in winner circles, I mean)! Luv, andrea

John Freeman July 2, 2010 at 11:13 PM Congratulations Joyce on your 5th place. Agape, Moses

Dr.Ram Mehta July 2, 2010 at 10:40 PM Congrats on the 5th place win in my contest

Mac Mcgovern June 14, 2010 at 2:52 PM Fantastic Villanelle. Risking his life, he does not see the end. Blind to the truth that's coming 'round the bend. They don't get much better than this. Fantastic!!!

Andrea Dietrich June 6, 2010 at 7:07 PM GOOD entry, JOyce. These are challenging for people to do and you pulled it off. thanks for your comments today. LUv ya, Andrea

Sara Kendrick June 6, 2010 at 5:19 PM The topic chosen is a problem for so many men and women this day and age...Sad that a wake-up call doesn't happen sooner for more...Good luck if for a contest...Keep the creative pen flowing...Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my work..Sara

Dr.Ram Mehta June 6, 2010 at 4:19 AM Thanks for supporting my contest. Joyce

Suresh Iyer June 6, 2010 at 2:17 AM A terrific poem. No risk,no gain cheers suresh

Amy Green June 5, 2010 at 10:43 PM Really good! Heck of a write.

Joe Flach June 5, 2010 at 10:29 PM Joyce, a terrific Villanelle. I laboered over this form but fell well short of your masterpiece. This fits the form and stays true to your story. I am impressed with your talent. Great job. Joe

Carolyn Devonshire June 5, 2010 at 10:23 PM Excellent, Joyce. We often don't see what is "coming 'round the bend." At least this man has "his lover's drum" to guide him along, though that lover is deep inside an empty bottle. Remarkable use of a the villanelle form! Love, Carolyn