Fence Post

Maybe this fencing thing won’t be so hard;
least I can do now is parry the doubt.
I’ll have to learn to retard my on guard.

When my friend gave me this gift I was jarred;
for a time I had a penchant to pout.
Maybe this fencing thing won’t be so hard.

At my first lesson we stood in the yard;
but I scared my teacher with a great shout.
I’ll have to learn to retard my on guard.

He gained his wits and he called me a card;
I was amused by the way it came out.
Maybe this fencing thing won’t be so hard.

With a fierce thrust I feared he might be scarred;
and he could think of me as a big lout.
I’ll have to learn to retard my on guard.

Under his breath I heard him mutter, “Barred;”
it was me who he was talking about.
Maybe this fencing thing won’t be so hard;
I’ll have to learn to retard my on guard.


Villanelle (19 Lines)
Writer’s Cramp
August 11, 2013