Young Adults

a villanelle

Next week is Carlita's 15th birthday.
Failed twice, two years too old for 7th grade.
She strokes her rounded belly. Every day

gently circles her hand this way, that way.
Her shirts hang loose, hide what her hand betrayed.
Next week is Carlita's 15th birthday,

she looks a bit bigger. I'd have to say
about three months gone. Can't ask, can't invade.
She strokes her rounded belly. Every day

her eyes flash as I look, hold me at bay,
she hides inside adulthood masquerade.
Next week is Carlita's 15th birthday,

no Quinceaños, sweet fifteen soiree,
or even baby shower, I’m afraid.
She strokes her rounded belly. Every day

closer, baby due on an August day,
just before she is due to start 8th grade.
Next week is Carlita's 15th birthday.
She strokes her rounded belly every day.

The Book
In 2005, I was 51 years old and decided to change careers from computer programmer to math teacher. My first year teaching -- remedial math at an inner city middle school -- I decided to write a poem per week to keep my sanity. I kept 90% of the poems and worked on them for the next year. This is poem 13.

What is a Villanelle?
A Villanelle is a French form with the following layout:
Line 1 (rhyme A)
Line 2 (rhyme B)
Line 3 (A)

Line 4 (A)
Line 5 (B)
Line 6 is line 1 from first stanza

Line 7 (A)
Line 8 (B)
Line 9 is line 3 from first stanza

Line 10 (A)
Line 11 (B)
Line 12 is line 1 from first stanza

Line 13 (A)
Line 14 (B)
Line 15 is line 3 from first stanza

Line 16 (A)
Line 17 (B)
Line 18 is line 1 from first stanza
Line 19 is line 2 from first stanza

---

Voting Is Now Closed

[ Poem Details | Vote History ]