Sangbad reminded me I hadn’t written a villanelle in a long time. Probably because they’re difficult. I’m chuffed no end to have actually written one, so here it is.

We wander at the ending of this day,
The stony path that overlooks the sea,
Where grey gulls dip and skim across the bay,
We stand so close, to watch the sunlight play.
Above the waves that beat against the scree,
We wander at the ending of this day.
When twilight drains all day’s bright hues away,
Tomorrows’ hopes fade, with the daylight flee,
Where grey gulls dip and skim across the bay.
We toss white pebbles as the pious pray,
You ask for signs, I send a final plea,
We wander at the ending of this day.
The pebbles sink; you say you cannot stay,
The far horizon calls you to be free,
Where grey gulls dip and skim across the bay.
Your fixed gaze says there is no other way,
Already you are gone, that I can see,
Sundered at the ending of this day,
Where grey gulls dip and skim across the bay.