villanelle for a new beginning

if all is measured and comes up too short

at the beginning all was calm and clear

at least we know we sailed from the right port

 

so many words and so high their import

uttered with gravity and without fear

if all is measured and comes up too short

 

there is not one who would dare to distort

the grace and beauty that make this day fair

at least we know we sailed from the right port

 

cheered by an assemblage of every sort

of human being given to our care

if all is measured and comes up too short

 

there is no crime no sin of false report

to hide our faces but we have to care

at least we know we sailed from the right port

 

we ask no judgment since there is no court

above our heads in the still winter air

if all is measured and comes up too short

at least we know we sailed from the right port