Chemical Balance

by Michael D Nalley   Aug 17, 2008


Many times we search to fill the void
For something that will balance our scales
With many chemicals we have toyed

Other times we have found, and enjoyed
The peace and harmony that prevails
Many times we search to fill the void

Yet there are some that become annoyed
When we lose our heart, it never fails
With many chemicals we have toyed

The seven demons are often deployed
Working mischief in their dusty trails
Many times we search to fill the void

Even a doctor such as Sigmund Freud
Turned to cocaine for numbness it entails
With many chemicals we have toyed

Fear releases the adrenal steroids
There is a real spirit for what ails
Many times we search to fill the void
With many chemicals we have toyed

I wrote this villanelle for a contest challenge
A villanelle is a poetic form which entered English-language poetry in the 1800s from the imitation of French models.[1] A villanelle has only two rhyme sounds. The first and third lines of the first stanza are rhyming refrains that alternate as the third line in each successive stanza and form a couplet at the close. A villanelle is nineteen lines long, consisting of five tercets and one concluding quatrain. [2

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Latest Comments

  • 15 years ago

    by Meena Krish

    I've tried to write a Villanelle before but for some reason it just doesn't turn out as well as what you have done; and I also like the way you weaved people and their life's into it. Well done..take care

  • 15 years ago

    by TheBarefootedCowgirl

    Beautifully written, i love the subject, wow it's amazing. extra kudos to you for being able to write a specific form like that. i can't do that (i write freestyle) so i really admire anyone who can do that.
    great job, 5/5!!!
    ~Emmi

  • 15 years ago

    by Karl Wild GG23

    I definately love the repetition this style of poetry produces, I've always been a fan of those who can do it well. I believe that all of us toy with things to fill the voids in our life, whatever they may be. Some of us just find different solutions from our chemical experiences. Excellent job and great flow 5/5 GG23

  • 15 years ago

    by Courageous Dreamer

    Wonderful write. Very interesting. A few things... The flow of this was really good because of the repitition of that one line. Interesting style of writing.. 2nd, maybe put at the bottom what this form is like a brief description. That'd help the reader determine if you did it right and it's just a good thing to put on there so readers understand that that's why there's repetition. 3rd, the last stanza was 4 lines, the others were all 3. Does this kind of form allow that? Anyways, great poem. Very true all together. Well written, 5/5.

  • 15 years ago

    by Katie

    I really like the poem. It has a true message. The only thing is it didn't flow all too well. But it was REALLY good, despite that. Keep it up!

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