Unsteady wings

Our time is passed and travel on must we

Amidst the laughter and the radiant tear;

Unsteady wings moulded for flying free .

Great times together, growing memory ,

The joys and delights of each hatchling year;

Our time is passed and travel on must we .

Little ugly ducklings, rise swans to be ,

Stand now in elegance, relinquished fear ,

Unsteady wings moulded for flying free .

Dreams, hopes and trials — grow triumphantly ,

Whilst we perceive as symphony to hear

Our time is passed and travel on must we .

Those faces made the places what they be ;

Their faith, 'Best wishes for ascension, dear .'

Unsteady wings moulded for flying free .

Remembrances so captivatingly

Shall in our hearts, no more our lives, appear.

Our time is passed and travel on must we ;

Unsteady wings moulded for flying free .

___

I wrote this as I was graduating high school, reflecting on the changes and personal development over the years that my year group experienced. It was also me trying to challenge myself: I wanted to attempt to write in a particular complex poem structure: 'villanelle'. One of the most famous poems written in this form is Dylan Thomas’ ‘Do not go gentle into that goodnight’.

Were you happy to graduate, or more nostalgic at the changing season in life? Let me know @lilijanewriter