The Isle Of Ai, A Villanelle Poem by Linda Hepner

I’m leaving you upon your isle of Ai
Where you the hero are transformed to swine;
I leap from chalky cliffs and dream I fly.

Your dreams are webs of incense, rosy wine,
Suffusing mind and will like silken ropes;
You will not wake, and I cannot resign.

Here Circe holds her sway but I my hopes
To break these bonds and build a ship, escape
On seas once sailed, to rocky sunny slopes.

My feet climb firmly, and upon my nape
The sun beats fiercely and the tangy wind
Will sting my eyes and grasp and push and rape

My bleeding heart, and yet is not chagrined
As is the violator of the will
Who once contained is now uncorked, undjinned;

And you’ll believe your ship is there until
You need it, but, clear eyed, it will not lie
Lopping in choppy waves beside the hill
Awaiting you, and you too cannot fly.