Shrouded In A Why

A Villanelle about someone who died recently

A fragile flower rushed to know the sky;
from roots of care she's born as selfless seed ~
her fleeting life, now shrouded in a why.

She grew in kindness helping florets fly;
before she flew, made sure that they succeed.
A fragile flower rushed to know the sky.

As bold as love her colors were not shy,
yet, soft were petals feeling other's need;
her fleeting life, now shrouded in a why.

When good are lost to understand we try;
know heaven waters life with tears, indeed,
a fragile flower rushed to know the sky.

Our questions cry, "Too soon to say goodbye!"
Perennials ascend with tragic speed ...
her fleeting life, now shrouded in a why.

Of fate we ask, "Do blossoms need to die?"
Young must, for balanced energy is freed.
A fragile flower rushed to know the sky ~
her fleeting life, now shrouded in a why.

2023

Author's Note

An amazing young woman died a couple months ago. I had mentioned her in my poem 'Ripley's Rose'. Her name was Anna. She befriended a girl with autism I cared for when they were little girls, and she herself had a brain tumor when she was young and the two of them became fast friends. The news did a story about them so if you like to cry, search KOMO News Seattle Anna and Ripley. It is an amazing story about a girl with a profound disability and another with a hidden disability lifting each other. Anna became a behavioral therapist because of her friendship, as well as her mother's selfless care of people with disabilities. Anna's surprising death was tragic, but adding to that is the fact that her friend can't comprehend why Anna is gone.

A Villanelle is tricky to write. Making those advancing lines work with the new ones while adhering to the requirements of the form. Just slightly easier than a Sonnet. If you are interested in this form please ask or search it.

Reviews

[Aura]

Your villanelle tries to comprehend difficult questions about life and death, for why is it the sweet flowered personalities who's lives often end earlier? Yet, criminals can sit in jail until their 70s and 80s and still be alive? Life works in weird ways, but if we kept on thinking about the "why" of death, then we'd forget all of the wonderful things of life. The story of Ripley and Anna was an emotional one, the news story depicted the two girls as more than friends, they were sisters in a way. Sometimes we don't notice the miracles in our lives, but I feel like Anna was the miracle Ripley needed to keep on going, and in turn Ripley unknowingly helped Anna when she was diagnosed with Brain cancer.

May Anna rest in peace.

[William Michael Reeves]

They really were more like sisters. Same age. Anna only got 26 years I think, but made the most of them. The mysteries of life ... and death. Thanks Aura

[Aura]

You are most welcome.

[Cherrie Palmer]

Your tribute sings with beauty. Really fine work.

[Coyote Poetry]

Yes William. We need to be like the flowers. Reaching for the sky.
"Of fate we ask, "Do blossoms need to die?"
Young must, for balanced energy is freed.
A fragile flower rushed to know the sky ~
her fleeting life, now shrouded in a why."
The above lines could stand alone. Like the flower, we need to seek the sun. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[William Michael Reeves]

It was those ending lines I wanted to stay standing. A Villanelle keeps lines on their feet. It was a privilege to have known her. Thank you.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Williams.

[Robert Trakofler]

You constructed that form perfectly... I remember doing one of these a long time ago and I enjoyed the outcome:) I used to also work in the MH/MR field and one of the things I remember most is the profound beauty one discovers when one cracks the surface of those of whom have disabilities. I remember spending the first 20 years of my life being afraid and even dismissive of them and after working with them I began to see all that I was missing the love and trust that they give are pure and the wisdom they have is much more than meets the eye but of course, you already know this:)

[William Michael Reeves]

I sure do know it. After 43 years as a caregiver, job coach, advocate and friend I better know it. I am happy to hear you know the energy and love as well. A mutual friend of ours said you and I are kindred spirits. That may be some of why she thinks so. They crack their surface and it's up to us to watch for it and help the opening grow. Then we all fly together. Anna was amazing at helping the florets fly. Thank you Robert.

I would like to read your Villanelle. Is it in your pages? Can you direct me to it?

[Miss Sharon]

Beautifully done! Some times when sticking to the strict rules of "form poetry" the words can become stilted and harsh, but you have avoided that trap beautifully. Bravo! ~Sharon

[William Michael Reeves]

Thank you Sharon. I've Missed you. Form poetry is tricky. Tries to catch our pens and trap our words. But desire and inspiration release the poet. I appreciate your accolades! Thank you. Read you soon.

Bill

[Betty Hermelee]

All of us and all in nature must die at at some point in time. The why of it is a question I believe no one can fully understand.... but life is movement and death leads to new life....your poem is a beautiful metaphor of a fleeting life and sudden death that is baffling, especially if unexpected or not understood... you've perfectly used the example of a flower which blooms and dies and reaches the sky.... but why... well perennials are reborn each year....I love the poetic form you used and the poem is really excellent!
Best, B

[William Michael Reeves]

Thank you so much Betty! What a nice review. When those first thoughts came to mind without form, I felt like I wanted to use them more than once. Villanelle seemed the perfect choice, but difficult to get such a big idea, why do the good die young, packed into 190 syllables. Less the advancing lines. Lucky for humanity perennials are born every year. Her energy is passed to the new blossoms through our memory and tributes. Nature's natural good energy grows in innocent hearts. Thank you.

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome W!.
Best, B

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

They say that the innocent and beautiful have no enemy but time. Whatever the case, it seems most detrimental when the sweetest and most innocent among us die. This poem beautifully portrays that innocence, that goodness that the world needs more of.

[William Michael Reeves]

More Annas in the world would be a good thing. Good thing there are more, too. So many good people in this world! Thank you.

[John the Baptist]

As has often been said, the good die young. If there is any compensation to be found in this story, it must lie in the fact that the young woman made the world a better place while she was here. Some things may never be understood.

[William Michael Reeves]

Exactly John, there is no understanding fate. The only thing I can figure is nature balances life with death, like all her measures. Thanks for the read.

[willweb]

Love the story and the poem. Just goes to show, there are very special people in this world who are placed here to make another's life special. This is really a beautiful post for this site. Hope a few people read this.

[William Michael Reeves]

That was fast! Thank you! Stuff happens in life and poetry is sometimes the only way to heal. To try to make sense of what doesn't by making our feelings tangible with words. I was privileged to know them. Thanks will