Well, my silly sestina didn’t win BlogHer’s contest. You can pop over there to read their top pick. They’re taking on the villanelle in the next BlogHer poetry contest. Dylan Thomas’ “Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night” is probably the most well-known villanelle, but Theodore Roethke wrote my very favorite example of the form.

THE WAKING
by Theodore Roethke

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.

Theodore Roethke, “The Waking” from Collected Poems of Theodore Roethke. Copyright 1953 by Theodore Roethke.

“This shaking keeps me steady.” That just slays me. And I still haven’t been to the Roethke house. Anyway, villanelles look less complicated than sestinas, I think, but I’ll bet they’re harder to write. I’ll tell you what I will try my hand at, though: Dinner. Here’s what we’re having this week.

Monday: Fajitas

We used to have fajitas pretty frequently, and then we didn’t. I don’t know what happened, but I’m glad they’re back.

Tuesday: Crockpot Orange Chicken

Is this the week we finally eat this? I’ve had it on the menu for at least two weeks now.

Wednesday: Honey-ginger beef stir-fry

Sometimes I make my own stir-fry sauce. This will not be one of those days. I bought a bottled sauce, and I want it to be delicious.

Thursday: Burgers

I know I’ll spend Thursday evening wanting to buy a Big Green Egg. Our grill is falling apart.

Friday: Pizza