Lucy Vickery

Festive villanelle

[Photo: borchee] 
issue 16 December 2023

In Competition No. 3329 you were invited to submit a villanelle on a festive theme.

   Artistry and variety abounded in a most enjoyable entry. Hats off, everyone, and thank you for your brilliance and versatility over the year. The winners below earn £30. Happy Christmas, one and all.

It seems it was a century ago

That we had dreams of Christmas being white,

When winter kissed our cheeks with flakes of snow.

Magic there was that childhood could bestow

When wonder closed our eyes on Christmas night.

It seems it was a century ago.

Peace and goodwill for everyone would flow

With midnight presents sent for our delight,

When winter kissed our cheeks with flakes of snow.

If Santa laughed a hearty ho, ho, ho

It banished fears and put the world to right.

It seems it was a century ago.

Now when unfriendly breezes coldly blow

We long for times when Christmas stars were bright,

When winter kissed our cheeks with flakes of snow.

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