Dale Gregory Cozart Poet Villanelle

Still I Run

I race for summer's setting sun
as crimson bleed the alder leaves
and still I run.  And still I run.

My rival, time, is yet undone.
Past pyramids of flaxen sheaves
I race for summer's setting sun

across the low unbroken run.
Each cow out in the pasture grieves
and still I run.  And still I run.

In late September’s crisp blazon
my heart to fragile hope now cleaves.
I race for summer's setting sun.

With slaughter of the calves begun
I fled beneath the killing eaves
and still I run.  And still I run.

Our time on earth is under gun.
My burning chest now breathless heaves.
I race for summer's setting sun
and still I run.  And still I run.


10/24/17

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Laura Leiser December 3, 2020 at 12:06 PM Well, Dale Gregory, today I saw that you became a lifetime member and this poem, among so many, is just brilliant! Your poetic gifts are stratospheric..wow! And, I noted that the Rowboat on the Marsh poem was one of the first selected in the PS anthology book, as well! And well deserved, too! A big fave from me! Excellent! :) Dale Gregory Cozart December 3, 2020 at 1:44 PM Thanks so much, Laura! And your husband is clearly an honorable man! Laura Leiser December 3, 2020 at 12:07 PM Ps. My husband’s name is Gregory Dale! :)

Andrea Dietrich February 19, 2018 at 12:14 PM By mistake, I Happened upon a list that shows premiere winners listed individually. No one deserves this more than you with a poem like this. I am having fun seeing who is else is on that list. Greg sure has a lot of the spots!!! anyway, I loved seeing this one again.

Sandra Haight January 5, 2018 at 4:24 PM Such an outstanding poem, Dale. Congratulations on your fine placement in the contest. Sandra

Beautiful Scars January 5, 2018 at 1:26 PM amazing poem dear Dale, congrats :)-luloo Dale Gregory Cozart January 5, 2018 at 2:09 PM Thanks, Laura!!

Gregory Richard Barden January 5, 2018 at 12:18 AM Congratulations on your well-deserved win, Dale - blessings and best wishes for a Happy New Year, friend! :-)

Subimal Sinha-Roy January 4, 2018 at 12:13 AM Congratulations, Dale on your fine with with such a wonderful poem.

Susan Ashley January 3, 2018 at 9:06 PM Returning with congratulations, Dale for your excellent win with your gorgeous poem.. ~Susan

John Hamilton January 3, 2018 at 11:01 AM I remember this one Dale, congrats on a fine win! Dale Gregory Cozart January 3, 2018 at 11:22 AM Thanks, John!

Connie Marcum Wong November 22, 2017 at 11:28 PM This is one of the most divine Villanelles I have ever seen. You deserve a tangible trophy for this exquisite jewel! I am so impressed with this beauty Dale! Have a lovely Thanksgiving if you live in the USA. Congratulations! : ) Dale Gregory Cozart November 23, 2017 at 7:46 AM Thanks so much for your beautiful compliment. Yes, I live in the USA; So. Calif, to be exact. You have a nice Thanksgiving, too.

Line Gauthier November 18, 2017 at 5:10 PM Congrats on your fine win, Dale. Dale Gregory Cozart November 18, 2017 at 7:33 PM Thanks, Line!

Susan Ashley November 17, 2017 at 7:31 PM Congratulations Dale on your awesome trophy win with your enthralling and lyrical write. A very worthy win indeed!! Warmest wishes.. Dale Gregory Cozart November 17, 2017 at 7:57 PM Thanks so much, Susan!

John Fleming November 14, 2017 at 3:20 AM From the very first line gripped a hold of me -- then dragged me right in! Riveting stuff, Dale! My best regards. :) john Dale Gregory Cozart November 14, 2017 at 7:53 AM Thanks, John!

Joanna Daniel November 9, 2017 at 8:26 AM Wow and a double wow, Dale! I've always enjoyed reading villanelles and yours is by far the best one, I have read:) a fave:) congratulations on your worthy win:) Dale Gregory Cozart November 9, 2017 at 8:56 AM Thanks so much, Jo!

Andrea Dietrich November 8, 2017 at 5:19 PM wow, Dale, this is OUTSTANDING work. WAs this in one of Brian's contests. Congrats and a FAVE for me. Dale Gregory Cozart November 9, 2017 at 8:56 AM Thanks so much, Andrea!

Vijay Pandit October 29, 2017 at 5:01 PM A pleasure to read this lovely poem--congrats Dale on your well deserved first place win! Dale Gregory Cozart November 4, 2017 at 12:39 PM Thanks, Vijay!

Brian Davey October 29, 2017 at 2:31 AM This is one great write building throughout taking the reader through all the emotions along with it! Congrats on your first place win Dale Gregory Cozart October 29, 2017 at 7:25 AM Thanks, Brian!

Jan Allison October 28, 2017 at 6:15 PM an absolute gem of a poem Dale many congrats on your top spot, you have a wonderful way with words:-) hugs jan xx Dale Gregory Cozart October 28, 2017 at 6:32 PM Aw, Jan, thanks so much.

Afzal Nusker October 27, 2017 at 11:52 PM Fantastic poem and quite lyrical. Congrats on your trophy win, Dale Dale Gregory Cozart October 28, 2017 at 7:46 AM Thanks much, Afzal!

John Hamilton October 27, 2017 at 10:07 PM Congrats Dale I knew this was a winner! Dale Gregory Cozart October 28, 2017 at 7:46 AM Thanks, John!

Gregory Richard Barden October 27, 2017 at 4:54 PM This is exquisite, Dale, and so full of extraordinary imagery and rich with sublime phrasing and eloquent rhythm ... and I don't use such words lightly. This is one of the best writes I've ever seen on Poetry Soup. Truly. Congrats - this was the right pick for the top spot. Blessings, and keep up the great work! Dale Gregory Cozart October 27, 2017 at 5:00 PM Thanks so much, Greg. I still can't believe it!

Sandra Haight October 27, 2017 at 4:43 PM "And still I run'. Your poem leaves me breathless, Dale. Too much to accomplish before the 'setting sun." Congratulations on your Trophy win in this Premiere Contest. Sandra Dale Gregory Cozart October 27, 2017 at 4:46 PM Aw, Thanks so much , Sandra.

Agnes Krampe October 25, 2017 at 8:41 PM Great job with this villanelle, Dale! Dale Gregory Cozart October 26, 2017 at 7:25 AM Thanks, Agnes!

Cona Adams October 25, 2017 at 10:00 AM Nicely done, Dale. Enjoyable read. Dale Gregory Cozart October 26, 2017 at 7:26 AM Thanks, Cona.

John Hamilton October 24, 2017 at 8:20 PM Wow Dale I really enjoyed this Villanelle, has a real melodic feel with the repeated refrain. Kind of reminds me of Maya Angelou's and still I rise! Dale Gregory Cozart October 24, 2017 at 8:47 PM Thanks, John.