Villanelle Villanelle The only problem with the villanelle, As Wikipeeja fervently explains, Is that the repetition grates like hell. It is a form not easy to write well, Although the repetition still remains The only problem with the villanelle. Like children sitting on a carousel, The thought, as their initial wonder wanes, Is that the repetition grates like hell. And even Seamus Heaney, I’ve heard tell, Has called the most ubiquitous refrains The only problem with the villanelle. The poet-felon, pacing in his cell, Admits his gripe with these unyielding chains Is that the repetition grates like hell. The poet, though, is anxious to dispel The notion, till in tears he ascertains - The only problem with the villanelle Is that the repetition grates like hell. Peter Goulding If you've any comments on this poem, Peter Goulding  would be pleased to hear from you.