Festive villanelle

In Competition No. 3329 you were invited to submit a villanelle on a festive theme.

Artistry and variety abounded in a most enjoyable entry. Hats off, everyone, and thank you for your brilliance and versatility over the year. The winners below earn £30. Happy Christmas, one and all.

It seems it was a century ago

That we had dreams of Christmas being white,

When winter kissed our cheeks with flakes of snow.

Magic there was that childhood could bestow

When wonder closed our eyes on Christmas night.

It seems it was a century ago.

Peace and goodwill for everyone would flow

With midnight presents sent for our delight,

When winter kissed our cheeks with flakes of snow.

If Santa laughed a hearty ho, ho, ho

It banished fears and put the world to right.

It seems it was a century ago.

Now when unfriendly breezes coldly blow

We long for times when Christmas stars were bright,

When winter kissed our cheeks with flakes of snow.

To ancient dreamers Father Time says: ‘No’

Removing past surprises from our sight.

It seems it was a century ago

When winter kissed our cheeks with flakes of snow.

Frank McDonald

To welcome in the season of good cheer

we heave a sigh, we’ve seen it all before,

there’s no escape, it happens every year.

Soon cards with robins, snow and red-nosed deer,

from folks that you forgot, drop through the door

to welcome in the season of good cheer.

Outdated Christmas hits assault the ear

in every overcrowded superstore,

there’s no escape, it happens every year.

The annual pantomimes get into gear

with hairy dames and risqué jokes galore

to welcome in the season of good cheer.

Around the baubled Christmas tree appear

the relatives you vowed you would ignore,

there’s no escape, it happens every year.

The goose is getting fat, it’s very clear

we’ll overdose on victuals, booze and more

to welcome in the season of good cheer,

there’s no escape, it happens every year.

Sylvia Fairley