They Dared Me

They dared me to compose a villanelle

And I was inclined to attempt this feat,

But I'm not sure I did it very well.

I gave it my best shot, oh what the hell

Threw fear aside and jumped in with both feet…

They dared me to compose a villanelle.

And even though I hear a warning bell

Too late for doubts, can't leave it incomplete:

But I'm not sure I did it very well.

I wonder why on earth I let them sell

Me the idea… am tempted to retreat.

They dared me to compose a villanelle.

But I'm no quitter that much I can tell

You, so I refused to concede defeat,

But I'm not sure I did it very well.

It's nearly done and I can almost smell

The scent of victory, and it is sweet.

They dared me to compose a villanelle

But I'm not sure I did it very well.

(C)2009, Maryse Achong