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")

7 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. This is beautiful, Sharon. A villanelle is not easy to write. Very nicely done.

    Pamela

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  3. This poem is very exquisite and thought provoking. I love the name Cimbrone (chim brone ee) and the background photo is gorgeous!

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  4. Hooray! 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!

    Rock on, Sharon!

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  5. Perhaps it would be better there to be a goat of note?
    Long 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

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  6. 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.

    Thank you so much for reading my interview at Poets United. So nice to meet you.

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  7. Nice that you allowed your travels to paint your poem so vividly, Sharon. Great use of the words!

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