VILLANELLE OF THE PLAYERS
Violets fade with the May,
Purple and fragrant they die,
Players live for a day.
What is their legacy, pray?
Where does their loveliness lie?
Violets fade with the May.
Actors in motley array
Grace of your memory cry,
Players live for a day.
Where the sad pine trees sway
Lonely the reft winds sigh,
Violets fade with the May.
Withered the wreaths of bay,
Wine-cups are cracked and dry,
Players live for a day.
Clouds of the sunset sky,
None shall their eulogy say,
Violets fade with the May,
Players live for a day.