when the madness came
and the prophets roar’d
when the madness came and the prophets roar’d
petty fiefdoms laid fair Camelot waste,
were you there, my friends, fore the nation warr’d?
…
when noble king in capitol enthrown’d
his scheme a chivalrous nation to make
fore the madness came and the prophets roar’d.
…
ask not, quoth he, and swore we an accord
kingdom ‘bove self in the king’s trust we plac’d,
were you there, my friends, fore the nation warr’d?
…
ere those who cried, he is our king no more
and many their once solemn vows abased
fore the madness came and the prophets roar’d.
…
did you see the king fall, head still’d and gored
in his queen’s embrace with rank blood debased
were you there, my friends, fore the nation warr’d?
…
John John’s last salute of father and lord,
the mobled queen, head hung, her dreams laid waste,
when the madness came and the prophets roar’d
were you there, my friends, fore the nation warr’d?
About the Creator
John Cox
Twisted teller of mind bending tales. I never met a myth I didn't love or a subject that I couldn't twist out of joint. I have a little something for almost everyone here. Cept AI. Aint got none of that.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Comments (24)
A historical villanelle, outstanding work, John; this is true art. Congratulations on your win!👏👏🌹
Congrats!! and that photo at the end….<sigh> fave lines: when noble king in capitol enthrown’d his scheme a chivalrous nation to make Oh, to have Camelot back again. I was 12.
That tip is for your beautifully thoughtful answer in my silly game.💖
🤩🤩🤩 Wow! I don't think any other word sums up how happy I am to see this one make the cut. I'm pretty sure I read a handful of Villanelles you wrote for this challenge. So glad you embraced the opportunity and left an impression. Congrats to you, my friend!
Aching, ancient-feeling telling of a very real tragedy - take a bow, John! Such a well-deserved win, congratulations my friend!
Well deserved win! 🏆 Great job!👏
Congrats on your win, I love your take on this ancient tale. Your words ad artistic vision are both well realized. 👏
Congratulations. John!!
Yay John Absolutely a wonderful treat for Vocal And all of us What a great topic to write upon and who better to do it justice Congratulations
Wooohooooo congratulations on your win! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Despite the top image I felt the topic all the way to certainty. Congratulations on your win.
Wow the level of creativity in this piece is unreal. I'm amazed that you could pull off a deeply meaningful HISTORICAL villanelle. The refrains astonish. ..."did you see the king fall..." just heart-wrenching. Congratulations on the well deserved win!
oh this is a VILLANELLE. You've created such a scene, a setting here, wrapped in so much emotion. You weaved a modern tragedy into an archetype that is deeply felt. Congrats on your win!
Back to say congrats on your win, sir
Take a bow, my friend. No! Take two! I can only dream of being able to craft a poem in this manner. You are a natural at it and pretty much own the space here on Vocal. Maybe I can talk you into doing a write up on the best way of approach, haha! My dreaming continues... Anyway, amazing entry!!!!!!
I’ve never tackled a Villanelle, so am pretty clueless regarding them. This is vividly emotive… the two tales seamlessly interwoven, all in the set format. Amazing!🤩
Love the call to think, in the first tercet. Laying the burden of Camelot being laid waste on our hearts. I love the line you chose to repeat. Prophet roar'd, it carries truth. And that truth linger. It needs to. The third tercet had me so aware of the emotions bubbling up. 'Head still'd and gored' 💔 I want to go into my blanket and cry. This was so moving. Oh my heart. I can't forget now, I must stay there so that my heart won't wonder off into the unfeeling... I feel so much grief for the queen... Outstanding work as always John 🤗❤️
This is an unbelievable piece of writing.
I’ve never seen or heard anyone describe this period in our history like this. You know I’m not a poetry fan but this is done exceptionally well.
Well-wrought! "Did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts? Hot ashes for trees? Hot air for a cool breeze? Cold comfort for change? Did you exchange A walk-on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?" -Pink Floyd, "Wish You Were Here"
I think we have a winner 😎
Oooh. Way to modernise a tragic tale. This was exquisite, asshole. Well done, I can't even complain, bitch or moan or belittle and defame you. This was impressive and I am applauding you. Little sidebar sidenote sideline side--- did you happen to see I have a new sonnet up - it's even a 10syllable each line one and doesn't have swearing. lol.
This was so sad and emotional. Loved your poem!
I really enjoyed this.