The Letter I Never Sent
Villanelle On Silence and Its Cost
The words are written, but the page stays sealed,
And silence keeps what speaking might have saved.
I keep the truth that never was revealed.
The ink has dried on promises I’d healed,
On phrases where my heart confessed and braved.
The words are written, but the page stays sealed.
What pride or cowardice made me yield
To let the moment pass, my courage waived?
I keep the truth that never was revealed.
The years have multiplied what might have healed;
Now memory becomes the thing I’ve craved.
The words are written, but the page stays sealed.
If I could know what speaking would have yield,
Rejection, grace, or love I had enslaved,
I keep the truth that never was revealed.
But speculation leaves no wound congealed,
And I return to what time has engraved.
The words are written, but the page stays sealed,
I keep the truth that never was revealed.
Author's Note: I tried to put this into the ABA ABA ABA ABA ABA ABAA format, but for some reason, Vocal is not accepting that format. It's written in that format but not posting in that format. UGH!
About the Creator
Tim Carmichael
Tim is an Appalachian poet and cookbook author. He writes about rural life, family, and the places he grew up around. His poetry and essays have appeared in Bloodroot and Coal Dust, his latest book.
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Comments (4)
Lovely poem! The repetition of "I keep the truth that never was revealed" in particular is very striking! I've struggled with the Vocal formatting too (and given up). Maybe it'll help, but I normally use a period on its own line to break up stanzas. Either way, this is a gorgeous poem!
Very nice and makes us all think of times we didn’t speak. Yet, sometimes we know saying it won’t help.
Compelling theme, definitely fits the villanelle structure well. Good work!
Marvelous, will you please read my poems?