Bells in the town alight with spring
converse, with a concordance of new airs
make clear the fresh and ancient sound they sing.
People emerge from winter to hear them ring,
children glitter with mischief and the blind man hears
bells in the town alight with spring.
Even he on his eyes feels the caressing
finger of Persephone, and her voice escaped from tears
make clear the fresh and ancient sound they sing.
Bird feels the enchantment of his wing
and in ten fine notes dispels twenty cares.
Bells in the town alight with spring
warble the praise of Time, for he can bring
this season: chimes the merry heaven bears
make clear the fresh and ancient sound they sing.
All evil men intent on evil thing
falter, for in their cold unready ears
bells in the town alight with spring
make clear the fresh and ancient sound they sing.
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The author's use of enjambment really stands out in this villanelle, and in particular, the cross-stanza enjambment. The refrain lines are designed intentionally, I suppose, so that he could accomplish that. The plot lines develop the idea of the effect of the sound of the bells on all who hear, even to the point of stopping evil-doers.
I believe that a traditional villanelle is supposed to have lines all of the same syllable count, but the syllable count is all over the place in this one. Some might say that this would make this villanelle inferior, or, at least, a variant on a villanelle rather than a true villanelle.
But there is music in these words, with all that warbling and chiming, and, like the characters in the poem, who could help but be charmed?
Thank you to whoever featured this. -
Yes. Enjambment shows true poetic skill. Or at least some claim enjambment shows more poetic skill...Shakespeare was noted for becoming more apt at enjambing towards the end of his career--for some it shows a mature poet- but done carelessly, shows the inability to master form.
Edited on Apr 19, 9:14 p.m. because 'apt AT enjambing'. -
I am impressed by the way the middle lines follow directly from the firsts. There are many lovely turns of phrase, such as "People emerge from winter" and "the caressing / finger of Persephone" across two lines. This, unlike what I do, is a poem which raises the form of villanelle to art!
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I agree
The enjambment from lines two to three in each stanza has a delightfully liquid effect in the poem's musicality. Lyndon.
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Superb
The amount of seasonal/cyclical imagery is so dominant in this piece--it really brings to light the cyclical nature of the villanelle and exploits it for it's own purposes. Also, the resonance of bells is echoed thru the repeating lines--another way in which the language matches the form. "They sing"--Voice-personification finally given to the bells, which like the rest of the world, are "alight with spring". I wonder who promoted this piece...very good choice to compare themes and images and their correlation to the form. -
very very good....perectly written
wow....i love this peice....lovely and well written.....makes me happy....and gushy inside......thanks for posting.....really a great write.....keep it up.....heather -
Beautiful sound!
Lovely spirit bells I hear! Beautiful imagery...a poem alight with spring and the ancient sound of bells! This poem was written with depth and insight into the finer ascpects of life and nature.
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