Labyrinth - Terzanelle

by Lonely Rider   Mar 18, 2013


Rising above the realms of myth,
an enticing chimera whispers,
beckoning into a labyrinth.

Voices chained in golden towers,
slaves of wolfish desires,
an enticing chimera whispers.

In vain they fight their sires,
as shadows engulf the summer sky,
slaves of wolfish desires,

Cheap and Sold are You and I,
to blinding glitters of a mirage,
as shadows engulf the summer sky,

Don't hide in coward camouflage,
Can you return the son I lost
to blinding glitters of a mirage?

Tell me how much my breath costs,
Can you return the son I lost?
Rising above the realms of myth,
beckoning into a labyrinth.

**A terzanelle is a poetic form combining aspects of the villanelle and the terza rima.[1][2] It is nineteen lines total, with five triplets and a concluding quatrain. The middle line of each triplet stanza is repeated as the third line of the following stanza, and the first and third lines of the initial stanza are the second and final lines of the concluding quatrain; thus, seven of the lines are repeated in the poem. The rhyme scheme and stanzaic structure are as follows (a capitalized letter indicates a line repeated verbatim):

ABA'
bCB
cDC
dED
eFE
fAFA'

Or, for the alternate (couplet) ending, the final stanza is:
fFAA'

5


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Latest Comments

  • 11 years ago

    by Angie

    (Weekly Contest Comment - 3/25/13)

    I completely appreciate the fact that the author posted information about the form of this write, it sounded very confusing to me, so I must applaud the author for being able to create such a wonderful piece using this form. The title captures ones attention and holds it throughout the write, the word choices remind me of olden days in England... this is an incredible write from beginning to end. (10)

  • 11 years ago

    by Darren

    What a difficult form, this was written exceptionally well. Without the fact it is written to a form that is very challenging it also contains some great images.
    Love the 'voices chained in Golden towers' and 'don't hide in coward camouflage'
    I have read this 4 times now and each time I am really impressed by the professionalism of this piece. Every word is a perfect choice, the flow is amazing. I love the topic, and the form fits this topic well. I wish I could say more as a judge but I think this poem says so much for itself. Easy 10.

  • 11 years ago

    by Xanthe

    This is amazing. It flowed so well. I definitely would love to read more. Well done!

  • 11 years ago

    by Hellon

    I just knew this was a winner when I nominated it.....well done..very deserving!

  • 11 years ago

    by Dolapo Adufe Akinola

    Amazing