This started out as a line about an old woman I saw walking in the street but it’s turned into something about my Grandma. I don’t think it’s finished yet, so first draft comments very much appreciated. Also, I have absolutely no idea how villanelles or pantouns are supposed to work and I didn’t actually look it up, I just went with what I felt like. I may look it up later and rework this so it’s a proper one.
She is old and crimped like a pinched-off string
Yesterday was filled with memories of buttercups
She made dolls of mountain devils when they were babes
Tomorrow, a glass of sherry on her own, in her room
Yesterday was filled with memories of buttercups
Lovers laugh and roll down grassed slopes, careless
He went to war and she raised twin girls like candlesticks
Time is something you keep in your pocket for later
Lovers laugh and roll down grassed slopes, careless
Sydney in the summer is thunderstorms and haze
Memory wanders in through cracks in the pavement
Her grandchildren are voices on the phone and cards at birthdays
Sydney in the summer is thunderstorms and haze
Tomorrow a glass of sherry on her own, in her room
Time is something you keep in your pocket for later
She is old and crimped like a pinched-off string.