Bound

Posted bytheatalaPosted inUncategorized

*This poem is a villanelle, a French verse form written in nineteen lines and following a specific pattern of two rhymes and an alternating refrain.

I am bound by the things I can’t say 
The great adventure I will never share
My words I will not speak today 

Some terrible loss in the game I play
My vulnerability my hidden despair
I am bound by the things I can’t say 

You see, your judgment I heavily weigh
You will soon discern my lack of flair
 My words I will not speak today 

Fear stands in my way 
It is a scary thing to be so bare 
I am bound by the things I can’t say 

Understand my struggle you may 
The dreams I will not declare 
My words I will not speak today 

Maybe my thoughts will see the light of day 
For now they remain tightly clasped with care
I am bound by the things I can’t say
My words I will not speak today

Zoe Cooper is a graduating senior from Pembroke Pines Charter High School. Her poem “Bound” won first place in the villanelle category of the 2024-25 PPCHS Poetry Fair.

Published by theatala

the atala is designed, curated, & edited by the Pines Charter Chapter of the National English Honor Society. It showcases original student poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, literary criticism, and art. Like its namesake — the small, bright butterfly that grew from near extinction to rising numbers in our part of the world — this little literary journal aims to grow our love of writing and expand our community’s appreciation for the literary arts.

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