My Anchor

Villanelle

Without your love to guide me on my way
and help to straighten thoughts when they are bent,
I'd fall into a life of disarray.

My history reads, fancy dreams and play;
a thoughtless wander, stumbling as I went,
without your love to guide me on my way.

No focused motivation, meant halfway
to destinations, lost, to my lament,
I'd fall into a life of disarray.

I can't imagine where I'd be today,
had life continued paving my descent,
without your love to guide me on my way.

And as I age into my mind's decay,
there'd be no hope to shroud the discontent.
I'd fall into a life of disarray.

So know you are my home. I'll never stray.
For even if I left with your consent;
without your love to guide me on my way,
I'd fall into a life of disarray.

Reviews

[Valentine]

Congrats, very nice write. Valentine

[Coyote Poetry]

Strong and wise words.
"So know you are my home. I'll never stray.
For even if I left with your consent;
without your love to guide me on my way,
I'd fall into a life of disarray. "
The above line is real truth. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Richard🖌]

Well, Matt — in as much that you won a top place in the contest with this, and that you're receiving invitations to recite it on radio shows, it must not be too bad, eh?
Most of us, who take pride in our efforts, tend to be hard on ourselves in our efforts … but, remember, a poem is always a work in progress, so keep working on it until it is perfect in your mind's-eye … never give-up on a poem, for it is an original creation, the only one exactly like it known in the history of the world.
You are a fine artist to be able to write well in any form (so far), and this is the mark of a truly accomplished poet … so, no more whining about forms; it is structure and discipline that makes it "poetry, the art", and all poetic forms have structure and discipline, even so-called Free Verse and Free Style … LOL!
Great tempo, count, topic, word choices and usage, spot-on rhymes, rhythm, and flow … a virtually perfect Villanelle, My Friend … you learn so very well and quickly.

Congratulations, Dear Matt, on an highly creative, emotionally touching, catchy, and excellently written Villanelle, and for your poem being chosen as a top winner! ⁓ Richard

[mattavelli]

Thanks, Richard. I really appreciate what you've said here. I'll try not to whine. Haha... And I've written another villanelle recently. I'd been wanting to give the form another shot, and while writing couplets, I found myself going for it. It's titled Morbid World. Ya, I enjoy the contests on this site. I enjoy all sorts of competitions, unless i lose. Haha... It's also interesting to see which of their writings others are proud of. I'd like to see you create a contest. Give us a challenge. :)

[Richard🖌]

I might just do that challenge thingy, Matt … earlier-on, the thought did cross my mind.
Meanwhile, I'll be sure to take time to check out your new Villanelle.

[J Todd Underhill]

No worries about the repetition that is what the Villanelle form is about. I would be very honored if you would call and share this on our show. www.worldpoetryopenmic.net Quite good at your craft my friend!

[mattavelli]

Thank you, J Todd. I'm honored that you ask, but my voice is not phone-friendly.

[J Todd Underhill]

Try it and you might like doing so. There are several public speakers that have shall we say not so sonorous voices. Terrence McKenna being one prime example.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

you did this style very well...effective with the form...and really like the idea of her straightening out the speaker's "bent thoughts"----

[mattavelli]

Thank you, Jacob. This was my second use of this form. I think I'm done with it.

[Ruth]

How beautiful! Love is the key to many doors and to be cherished...a wonderful portrayal of such :)

[mattavelli]

Thank you for reading, Poppy. :)

[sereenaoutloud]

Love is your anchor that is too sweet and so beautiful!
The repetition clearly works brilliantly in this write!
Love it Matt! :)

[mattavelli]

Thanks, Sereena. My wife has been good for me. She's really mean, but sometimes she's not. And she was supercheap. :)

[sereenaoutloud]

You are so bad...LOL

[Cherry Pepperweb]

True love really is an anchor and your poem is beautiful. I think at times we're tempted to stray, to smell some pretty flower but we feel the hold on our hearts. Lovely poem dear poet.

[mattavelli]

Thanks for reading, Cherry. :)

[Kelsey Schadt]

I wasn't annoyed by the repetition and in fact liked the how the first line, and the repeating lines became your closing. One area that I think could use work is this line "My history reads, fancy dreams and play;
a thoughtless wander, stumbling as I went" This is my favorite line but doesn't seem to match up with the established patterns of the first two lines in each of the other stanzas.

[mattavelli]

Thanks for the feedback, Possum. :)

[Mskendra Renee]

i no joke almost cried, this screams true love. i haven't experienced this yet and just reading it makes me have hope . thanks for sharing and keep writing !

[mattavelli]

Thank you, Mskendra. :)
I want to write. I'm just having trouble right now. Haha

[Mskendra Renee]

i understand and take your time ! i will wait lol