Villanelle Expirans

Villanelle Expirans
(without the rhyming middle lines)

There is one small thing I would have you do
Don’t let me down when I look up and say:
“Know I would only ask it of a few”

Never did I deny your silent moods
The time it took all evening to hear:
“There is one small thing I would have you do”

So leave me lying here when I am due
Don’t lift me up when I lay down at last
Know I would only ask it of a few

Leaning is taking, the world gives me its hue
My debt called up sings this familiar tune:
“There is one small thing I would have you do.”

I held the world dear even in its ruin
Tell morning this with hands wedged into time
Know I would only ask it of a few

The night’s last hour on the budding dew
Leans down and waits to feel my arching soul
There is one small thing I would have you do
Know I would only ask it of a few.