My Senses Reel with Spice
A Christmas baking villanelle
I've never written a villanelle before. It might not be something that I rush to do again. However, the smells from my kitchen this afternoon after a Christmas baking marathon were an inspiration as was a perusal of the works of famous Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas and so here, immortalised in stringent poetic form is my sensory experience from preparing to fruition as I created traditional Christmas fayre for this festive period.
***
Warmed by the bake, my senses reel with spice,
Woven into the air like spun sugar.
The fruitiness of plenty smells so nice.
*
Buttery sweetness mixed and held on ice
Ready for rolling, filling from the jar.
Warmed by the bake, my senses reel with spice.
*
On trays, like golden cobbles, stacked mince pies.
Puddings in sealed basins steam and swelter.
The fruitiness of plenty smells so nice.
*
Powder-coated treats do more than suffice;
They topple and wrestle on the counter.
Warmed by the bake my senses reel with spice.
*
Dense and rich, cakes ready for the splice:
Brandy moisture hits my skin like a spa.
The fruitiness of plenty smells so nice.
*
Taste buds squeal and plead to have a slice
Held back until 25th December
Warmed by the bake, my senses reel with spice
The fruitiness of plenty smells so nice.
***
Check out Dylan Thomas' wonderful villanelle here, called Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night:
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Comments (9)
The Christmas baking imagery is everywhere and it makes for such a sensory read! “On trays, like golden cobbles, stacked mince pies” is a great line.
I think you did absolutely amazing for your first try! Thanks for sharing.
Mmm “my senses reel with spice”… I love spices too! Great work ! 👍 Looking forward to making my gingerbread soon..although I did say that last year; THIS year it’s going to happen! 😁
Mmmm, that smells soooo good! I'm so hungry now, lol. Loved your Villanelle!
I can smell the baking from here....great job!
Ooh, think you nailed that.
You’ve done very well for your first attempt.
Beautiful piece. I can smell your words.
So lovely x You completely captured the essence of Christmas. Love the way the senses weaved through. I find myself wanting a minced pie rather badly even though i know I don't like them! 🤍