Bathed Sands: A Villanelle

By Joseph DuPre

“I have a pain upon my forehead here.” 

Even now, after years have passed away, 
I feel something shatter my mended peace,
when I hear your bittersweet name.

That moment, although short and petty, 
turns me into a bull trapped in Spain; the same 
even now, after years have passed away. 

As the memories wave, like muletas across the stage, 
I attempt to gore them with jealous horns, 
when I hear your bittersweet name. 

Yet, with each time I charge, I feel the banderilla’s blades,
that spill my blood, spirting with every beat, 
even now, after years have passed away. 

With each pass, I move slower, the sands now bathed, 
to then see the Matador, his estoc raised,
When I hear your bittersweet name. 

I then rush, to the brim with rage, to only then
feel the blade pierce my aorta; severing it in twain,
even now, after years have passed away, 
All when I hear your bittersweet name. 

Joseph DuPre is a rising poet from upper state South Carolina. Having graduated from Clemson University in the Spring of 2019, Joseph holds degrees in English and Secondary Education; Joseph’s poetry has appeared in The Museum of Americana: A Literary Review, and will soon be seen on Apricity Magazine.