Farewell, my one and only villanelle,
your words mean more to me than I can say.
Though our paths must part, yet I love you well.

Your first draft lacked some facts I didn’t tell.
Once you knew all you could go your own way.
Farewell, my one and only villanelle,

you understand the reasons that compel
me now to stand and watch you drift away.
Though our paths must part, yet I love you well.

And since this final version’s where I spell
out truths I used to shy from in dismay,
it means farewell, my only villanelle.

I won’t moralise about the past or dwell
on hopes and wishes or regrets this day,
for our paths must part, though I love you well

and trust that other readers’ breath will swell
your words and let your lilting rhythms play.
Farewell.