Villanelle of Regret

This Challenge is part of the Vocal+ Fall Poetry Series. Learn more

The Prompt

A villanelle is a poem of repetition, nineteen lines, refrains that circle back, and emotions that gather strength with each return. The form is well-suited to themes of regret, obsession, or longing that will not fade.

Let the refrains do the work. Each repetition can press deeper, sharpen the ache, or turn memory into something haunting.

In order for your submission to qualify, it must be:

• A villanelle poem that adheres to the traditional rhyme scheme: ABA ABA ABA ABA ABA ABAA.
• Submitted to the Poets community. Your story will be disqualified if it is submitted to any other community.
• Submitted before December 5, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
• Your work must be original and unpublished.

The Prizes

• 5 Winners: $200 each
• 15 Runners-up: $15 each
• 10 Honorable Mentions: $5 each

For your story to be eligible, it must be a villanelle poem and adhere to our Community Guidelines.

Stories published on Vocal and entered into the Challenge up until December 5, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST will be entered for consideration. Official Rules for the Challenge can be found here.

The Villanelle of Regret Challenge is exclusive to Vocal+ members. To learn more and upgrade to Vocal+, visit https://vocal.media/vocal-plus.

To be eligible to win, you must be over the age of 13 and reside in a country where Stripe is available at the time of entry. A complete list of countries where Stripe is available can be found here—winners will need a Stripe account created and connected to receive prizes. Entrants located outside of these countries will not be eligible to win.