Classic Poem

I TOOK her dainty eyes, as well
— — As silken tendrils of her hair:
And so I made a Villanelle!

I took her voice, a silver bell,
— — As clear as song, as soft as prayer;
I took her dainty eyes as well.

It may be, said I, who can tell,
— — These things shall be my less despair?
And so I made a Villanelle!

I took her whiteness virginal
— — And from her cheeks two roses rare:
I took her dainty eyes as well.

I said: " It may be possible
— — Her image from my heart to tear! "
And so I made a Villanelle!

I stole her laugh, most musical:
— — I wrought it in with artful care;
I took her dainty eyes as well;
And so I made a Villanelle.