Villanelle Competition Entry: Ten

Death So Sweet

When driftwood had begun to breathe
and seaweed wrapped around her feet
the ocean crept up like a thief

It tossed her on the rugged reef
where waves rolled out a steady beat
and driftwood had begun to breathe

Though her thieving days were brief
and her creations near complete
the ocean crept up like a thief

She turned and gasped in disbelief
no one to save her from defeat
when driftwood had begun to breathe

Riptides dragged her underneath
no further chance of retreat
the ocean crept up like a thief

Sea-creatures ‘round her like a wreath
a beachcomber’s death so sweet
now driftwood had begun to breathe
the ocean crept up like a thief.

Maureen Sexton