Her Everlasting Smile (a Villanelle)

Next Sunday at my monthly “Poetry Dome” meeting we are required to write a ‘Villanelle’ , and below is my attempt at the ‘Format’ … which I have adapted from an old favourite poem of mine, “Everlasting Smile”, you’ll find my original poem attached below the Villanelle …


Her Everlasting Smile (a Villanelle)




I wonder, was it all worthwhile

My chest, heavy as never before

Remembering, her everlasting smile


I look back, on her unfortunate life-style

Being unable to walk and talk anymore

I wonder, was it all worthwhile


I relive, her personal exile

My throat, swollen and sore

Remembering, her everlasting smile


I hesitate, retracing every mile

My tears, splash on the floor

I wonder, was it all worthwhile


I cringe, behind my happy profile

My heart, has forgotten how to roar

Remembering, her everlasting smile


I sleep alone, awaiting the next trial

My tongue, tired, needs to say more

I wonder, was it all worthwhile

Remembering, her everlasting smile




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Everlasting Smile


My eyes, narrowly cracked.
My cheeks, slightly etched.
I rest here, retracing every mile.
Remembering, your everlasting smile.

My lips, already dry.
My tongue, trying to say goodbye.
I wonder, was it all worthwhile.
Remembering, your loneliest smile.

My throat, lumpy and sore.
My chest, heavy as never before.
I look back, recalling your life-style.
Remembering, your younger smile.

My lungs, empty and tight.
My legs, weak and light.
I relive, your personal exile.
Remembering, your generous smile.

My head, spinning from fright.
My heart, deep and out of sight.
I sleep alone, crying like a child.
Remembering, your everlasting smile.






Ivor Steven (c) July 2022

Published by

ivor20

G'day, and welcome to my blog site. My name is Ivor Steven, I live in Geelong, Australia. I'm an ex-industrial chemist, and a retired plumber, and a former Carer of my wife(Carole), for 30 years, who suffered from severe MS. I Write poetry about those personal thoughts, throughout and beyond my life as a Carer. I've been blogging for over 2 years, and writing poems for 19 years. Of course a lot of my poems are about my favourite subject Carole, but since I've been blogging my writings have become quite varied, humourous, mystical, observational, and even a few monster/horror poems.

41 thoughts on “Her Everlasting Smile (a Villanelle)”

  7. You did well with your poem. A good question we wall sometimes ask ourselves. Memories are worthwhile and healing both good and bad. Focus on the good times and let the sad times roll by.

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    1. Thank you Dwight .. always lots of questions for myself during my 30 years of caring for Carole ..lots of tough times.. but overall it was all worthwhile, she kept smiling every day .. my decision to keep her at home proved to be the happiest and best result for both of us … “fortune favours the brave” and our love steered us through 💕🌏

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    1. Thank you Beth .. I’ve written thousands of poems trying to explain what love ❤️ is all about .. and I’d do it all again to her smile one more time 💕😊🌏

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  9. Each poem is beautiful and heart-touching, Ivor. 😢 A reminder to all of us to keep smiling. 🙂
    Hold on to Carole’s smile…she will keep getting you through the tough days. She is always in your heart.
    💜💜💜
    (((HUGS)))

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    1. Thank you Carolyn for appreciating both of my poems .. the original is always very special to me, and reminds me what a special person she was .. I wear her smile as a sparkling badge inside my heart 💜😊

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    1. Thank you Mich .. her smile was constant and lovingly warm .. no matter the difficulties of the day .. and everyone else around her would then automatically smile too 😊😃💕

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  16. Pingback: Her Everlasting Smile (a Villanelle) – MobsterTiger

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