Shadows close around us, clinging
To the corners of our eyes,
The very air around us stinging
From the noxious breath that's flinging
From the throats of beasts - their guise:
Shadows closing 'round us, clinging.
Teeth flash white and fear is singing,
Burning in our lungs and thighs,
The very air around us stinging
As we try to breathe in, bringing
Scant relief - oh, help, arise!
Shadows close around us, clinging
To darker blackness that is ringing
Us around with our demise,
The very air around us stinging.
One last breath - a gasp - wringing
Nothing save the anguished whys?
Shadows close around us, clinging,
The very air around us stinging.
The Nundus by minnabird
Chapter Endnotes: When teaching me about this form, my Creative Writing teacher said, "A villanelle is a nightmare." I hope this holds true to form. Thanks to Bella/clabbert2101 for a quick (sort-of) beta job. =D