You Did Not Cross My Path of Urgent Things

I need to know the things I know you knew

But you did not cross my path of urgent things.

I missed my chance to ask those things of you.

*****

I do not know another person who

could assuage the savage itch not knowing brings.

I need to know the things I know you knew -

*****

to clutch forgotten whispers ere they flew

because I valued texts and tones and rings,

I missed my chance to ask those things of you.

*****

There are so many musts that I must do

now shy, unanswered questions start to sting

I need to know the things I know you knew,

*****

I yearn to bring them back to me anew

but the winter in my mind froze its spring.

I missed my chance to ask those things of you.

*****

Now death's devoted blade has run you through

so no more will I hear your wisdom sing.

I need to know the things I know you knew.

I missed my chance to ask those things of you.

**************************************************************

I must thank Mike Singleton for his help on insuring the strict villanelle form was followed. His article (and video!) on writing a villanelle is a great resource for anyone interested in this challenging, wonderful form. Check it out below!