South of now.

When would you finally confess your love to someone who didn’t know?

If we lived sometime south of now
where Earth might draw her final breath
and spaceships could escape somehow
the ticking metronome of death

would you profess and then avow
your secret love, in all its breadth
or even stranger, south of now,

then say, “I’m just a middlebrow.
but fly with me beyond these depths,
the ticking metronome of death,
or even stranger, south of now

Author's Note

A villanelle, for your enjoyment.

If we lived at another time, and it was the end of the world, could you ask a stranger to take a leap of faith and start a new life on another planet with you?

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I often don't like the repetition of this form, but I don't see any repetition here. I forgot this was any kind of form. I love your title phrase, the kind we wish we'd thought of! I absolutely love the idea of secret love . . . Norman (a good cafe friend) sent me a valentine about secret valentines, the kind that weren't signed. I forgot about the magic of the secret lover & here you bring it back again. Maybe I need to probe this a little further. I also love the spaceship direction you take this in (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Verse]

Thanks so much, Margie!!! Smiling away here. 💜

S

[Neville]

South of now is where I'm at.. curled up like a comfy p***y cat... I reckon this is super and for several reasons, including a couple of misinterpretations...…. maybe :)

Neville

[Verse]

Thanks, Nev! I know form poems aren’t usually your thing.

V

[Pryde Foltz]

Lovely ... a modern update to a classic style. It really works. I do feel there might a verse or two more though waiting to be wrote. You have a fine style:)

[Verse]

Hey there, Pryde!!! Thanks so much for noticing this little verse. That’s the trouble with form poetry, it can be too constricting sometimes. ☺️

I appreciate your visit!!!

V

[Robert Trakofler]

I like this form it has a special magic to it it takes a different mindset to do properly and yours flows very natural nicely done verses... Verse:)

[Verse]

Thank you so much, Robert!!! Just woke up that morning with it sitting in my mind.

Appreciate your visit:):)

V

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

I like your line and rhymes,
They are well organized.
It flows through with my mind,
And I think it worth an high poetic rank.

Keep writing.
This is beautiful.

[Verse]

Thanks, Kay! :):)

Deb

[Chris Shaw]

Very nicely penned Verse. It's good to see you posting. Well would I? Yes, I would, rather be with someone else than on my own. Well worth risking.

Chris

[Verse]

Bless you, Chris!!! It’s good to be back. :):)

Couldn’t agree more with your answer... in fact, I’d be interested to see whether many of us would prefer the opposite... :):)

Thank you for welcoming me back, dear one.

Deb

[Chris Shaw]

Good to see you Deb :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

after going through what i have in my life...i think i would dare it...a fresh start with a new love...i guess we recycle our lives no matter what planet...
i like what you pose to us in this piece...
j.

[Verse]

Ah, how beautifully stated - what relationship isn’t an adventure on a daily basis? :):)
read moreAh, how beautifully stated - what relationship isn’t an adventure on a daily basis? :):)

Thank you, Jacob!

V