In Competition No. 3213 you were invited to submit a villanelle whose first line is: ‘The art of [insert gerund of choice here] isn’t hard to master…’ Floating in the slipstream of Elizabeth Bishop were some fine entries, including those by Bob Trewin and Philip Roe, who earn honourable mentions. The winners take £30.
The art of winning isn’t hard to master; Your errors can escort you to success. There is no better teacher than disaster. Triumphs will come your way a little faster When Nike offers you that first caress. The art of winning isn’t hard to master. The skills you gain from failed attempts will last a Lifetime. You’ll be a loser less and less. There is no better teacher than disaster. From also-ran you’ll be a flabbergaster; Your efforts will astonish and impress. The art of winning isn’t hard to master. Look forward to your glory; make the past a Place where you put away defeat’s distress.
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