April Poetry: Oh, Well

In recognition of Poetry Month, and to celebrate our treasure trove of Orcas Island poets, Orcas Issues is pleased and honored to offer daily poetry during April.

OH, WELL!
by Jan Koltun

I’d like to write a villanelle;
it isn’t going very well.
Writing a villanelle is hell.

My nouns and verbs emerge, pell-mell.
What words will work? I cannot tell.
I’d like to write a villanelle.

A villain scares my villanelle;
its phrases scatter; they do not jell.
Writing a villanelle is hell.

I cannot think; I cannot spell
AROOOOO! A primal screech I yell.
Writing a villanelle is hell.

It eludes me; I know full well
I’ll never write a villanelle.
Writing a villanelle is hell.
Still . . . I’d like to write a villanelle.