Poets logo

Content warning

This story may contain sensitive material or discuss topics that some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised. The views and opinions expressed in this story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Vocal.

Let the Poor and Downtrodden Sing!

Villanelle Challenge Entry.

By Paul StewartPublished 5 months ago 1 min read
14
Dall-E AI-Generated Image

Hear hear, let the poor and downtrodden sing

The song of their captivity to poverty

Full of woe for what tomorrow will bring

*

Cuts and callouses on fingers that sting

A life that offers anything but equality

Hear hear, let the poor and downtrodden sing

*

Toiling all day, while in luxury sits the king

Sleepless nights, the result of inequality

Full of woe for what tomorrow will bring

*

To any mere glimmer of hope they do cling

A day without destitution, would be a novelty

Hear hear, let the poor and downtrodden sing

*

With nothing, they worry about everything

They look forward with animosity

Full of woe for what tomorrow will bring

*

Perhaps it's time to wear that g-string

And make ends meet from man's precocity

Hear hear, let the poor and downtrodden sing

Full of woe for what tomorrow will bring

*

Thanks for reading!

Author's Notes: Okay...so I kinda love Villanelles a little now. Hate rules still, but every so often, it's good. I like the chant, singsong feel. Which is why I took that approach with this one.

The theme is self-explanatory I feel. The image is a gross exaggeration, but get's the point across, I feel.

performance poetrysocial commentarysad poetryinspirationalheartbreakCONTENT WARNING
14

About the Creator

Paul Stewart

Scottish-Italian poet/writer from Glasgow.

Overflowing in English language torture and word abuse.

"Every man has a sane spot somewhere" R.L Stevenson

The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection is now available!

https://paulspoeticprints.etsy.com

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments (8)

Sign in to comment
  • Randy Wayne Jellison-Knock5 months ago

    What if we were to make it a crime to live in luxury while others suffer in poverty? I know, I know, they have the power. But we have the numbers. (If only it wasn't so easy to distract us & persuade us that our problems are because of others only marginally different than us.)

  • Are you the 'King of Villanelles' yet? So good... With nothing, they worry about everything They look forward with animosity Full of woe for what tomorrow will bring.

  • Grz Colm5 months ago

    So u Love villanelles now! Hahah. Nice one! I liked this line particularly “A day without destitution, would be a novelty”. 👏 The chant singing vibes work very well too!

  • You're starting to like Villanelles now? Who are you and what have you done with Sir Paul Shakespeare? Lol. Your Villanelle was so well done!

  • Hannah Moore5 months ago

    There was an interlude...yup, I'm feeling les miserables here.

  • k eleanor5 months ago

    The words are like a melody, expressing the pain of inequality and the uncertainty of tomorrow. Your poetic prowess shines brightly in this heartfelt composition. 💯

  • Daphsam5 months ago

    What a wonderful way to write this for the challenge!

  • Judey Kalchik 5 months ago

    This is really poignant and bravo for taking on this Challenge is such a spectacular way.

Find us on social media

Miscellaneous links

  • Explore
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Support

© 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.