WoPoLi

The Same Old Story


A disagreeable feature, it happens often,
In the shadows of our city’s glare,
Villanelle or villainess, hearts left to soften.

In New York’s streets, where dreams are broken,
Poetry and thoughts weave in despair,
A disagreeable feature, it happens often.

The U.S. beats with a restless token,
Hopes and fears hang in the air,
Villanelle or villainess, hearts left to soften.

Thoughts on the cosmos, vast and unspoken,
Philosophy’s whispers, truths laid bare,
A disagreeable feature, it happens often.

To the polyandrous, Lydia’s heart’s broken,
Horace the wise, with his worldly care,
Villanelle or villainess, hearts left to soften.

When they fall, the same old story,
The Vamp passes through, with eyes so wary,
A disagreeable feature, it happens often,

Old stuff, the bards we quote too often,
Seeking ataraxia, peace so rare,
A disagreeable feature, it happens often,
Villanelle or villainess, hearts left to soften.

Table of Contents constraint poetry project. In this constraint, a poetry anthology originally published in 1925 was used. In each chapter section, titles were organized by theme and used to create a new poem.

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From the blog

About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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