Back to Issue 3

A Villanelle by Caitlin Bruce

Pain conforms the heart within
Numb against the cold
I can't go back to where I've been

Writhes the heart with silent din
Scared to cower bold
Pain conforms the heart within

Fear yanks 'round to a sickening spin
Swiftly to grow old
I can't go back to where I've been

Throbbing prick of masked black pin
Something to be told
Pain conforms the heart within

Freeze the mind and chills the skin
Something to behold
I can't go back to where I've been

Climb must we and clamor in
That unlikely mold
Pain conforms the heart within
I can't go back to where I've been