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Tuesday, July 17, 2012
On the Perils of Villa Cimbrone*
When visiting the cliffs of Cimbrone, do so very well aware
While beauteous true, with gardens, architecture and views
Humility is best observed, and gravity too - so do take care
And should your insanity's cracks be showing, then perhaps refrain or at least, beware
These garden's brittle chains do naught for safety and easily, your life you'll lose
Humility is best observed, and gravity too - so do take care
High above the ocean's spray, you will feel triggered to lean out over, as on a dare
And slipping in the grittled edge be gone, unless you do refuse
Humility is best observed, and gravity too - so really, do take care
Plant your feet firmly well back from the treacherous rim; enjoy the view from there
No need to see the ocean's swells while you're on high, save it for later; that will do
Humility is best observed, and gravity too - so really, do take good care
Fate it seems, relishes the lives of risk-takers and flicks them gone from almost anywhere
Let not Cimbrone's fates decide when and where to say "arrivederci" to you
When visiting the cliffs of Cimbrone, do so very well aware
Humility is best observed, and gravity too - so really, please do take care.
S.E.Ingraham© (a villanelle) *Cimbrone - pronounced chim brone ee
(photo taken from "The Terrace of Infinity in the Gardens of the Villa Cimbrone")
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I've always found a villanelle difficult to write. You've mastered that and given a great word picture of the terraced gardens of Villa Cimbrone. I enjoyed reading it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful, Sharon. A villanelle is not easy to write. Very nicely done.
ReplyDeletePamela
This poem is very exquisite and thought provoking. I love the name Cimbrone (chim brone ee) and the background photo is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHooray! Your villanelle flows beautifully. It is one of my favorite forms, and I like the way its helped you shape these words. Aren't forms grand!
ReplyDeleteRock on, Sharon!
Perhaps it would be better there to be a goat of note?
ReplyDeleteLong forms like this are tricky for me and yet you hid the wordles well
and let our imaginations float...
I'm here:
http://julesgemsandstuff.blogspot.com/2012/07/sw-wordle-65-evening-odds.html
I know so little about form, but you seem to have mastered this one. I love your warning. Life too has its dangerous cliffs, and it's best sometimes to lay your feet firmly on solid gardens.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reading my interview at Poets United. So nice to meet you.
Nice that you allowed your travels to paint your poem so vividly, Sharon. Great use of the words!
ReplyDelete