The Prize                   Fixed verse (FORM): Villanelle (Creative Writing MA 2012)

Vain hopes from tiny lives will rise,

Beware such expectation,

Fate loiters there to claim the prize.

.

Denying spring, a promise lies,

In endless hibernation

Vain hopes from tiny lives will rise.

.

Do not assume those infant cries,

Despite resuscitation;

Fate loiters there to claim the prize.

.

No care has Fate to compromise,

No gracious approbation

Vain hopes from tiny lives will rise.

.

No breath, wet curls, blue nails, brown eyes;

A tragic complication.

Fate loiters there to claim the prize.

.

A never-knowing future dies

With prayer and desperation;

Vain hopes from tiny lives will rise,

But Fate is there to claim her prize.

.

© Jean Levy/2012