Lie Next To Me — a villanelle
That raw poison used to shake my soul.
I am no longer angry at the world —
Now, lie next to me, and I am whole.
When I was very young, I felt so old,
With scars on my body, caught in the swirl —
That raw poison used to shake my soul.
Now we bob in the sea and shake off cold,
I am like a dancer. I spin and twirl.
Now, lie next to me, and I am whole.
I am lucky to be alive, I’m told
But I am no ordinary lost girl.
That raw poison used to shake my soul.
You showed me all the beauty in the bold
Ones who laugh until the pain is unfurled.
Now, lie next to me, and I am whole.
In your soft arms I am a newborn foal.
Into this new, fresh life I twist and curl.
That raw poison used to shake my soul.
Now, lie next to me, and I am whole.
Copyright © 2014 by Norah Vawter
In this challenge poem Norah, used the two lines: “The poison shook my body & I got in besider her and slept.” Notice how beautiful she adapted the lines into the narrative those lines whispered into her pen. Her repeat lines are powerfully emotive. “Now, lie next to me, I am whole; that raw poison used to shake my soul.” Good job Norah! I hope you try the chalenge again later.