A child asks if there is a reason why
Small children die and suffer round the world
Old men reply that God alone knows why
We skim the countless numbers; few will cry
Untold lost legions' silent flags unfurl
The child asks if there is a reason why
We look, but do not see that numbers lie
Has numbing excess sent our minds awhirl?
Old men reply that God alone knows why
The wealthy spawn more wealth; the poor still die
Indifference has stony silence hurled
A child asks if there is a reason why
In time's ellipse we meet cruel fate nearby
Can empty hearts find solace through their worlds?
Old men reply that God alone knows why
Labyrinthine life presages plans unwise
Why do we see and still ignore such pearls?
The child asks if there is a reason why
Old men reply that God alone knows why
Note: last revised on 3/17/12. Revised again on 3/19/12 based on an excellent suggestion by my favorite cousin, Paul Kavanagh
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This villanelle has been an enjoyable but highly challenging piece to write. It's been revised several times. The last revision to date includes some excellent advice from my favorite cousin, Paul Kavanagh, a true Renaissance man of letters and revels. Oh, Paul, how I miss the revels!
ReplyDeleteP.S. My workshop leader hasn't read it yet, so there will more than likely more revisions. Isn't this fun?