Eternity Blues as Villanelle

By Tim Seibles

Maybe eternity’s not all that long
My blood keeps talkin, my tongue tied in a knot
I believe this might go better in a song

By now, you’d think my resolve should be strong
I know the tomorrows bring knock after knock
Maybe eternity’s not all that long

I may be naïve, but don’t get me wrong
I see the good deal is not what I got
Maybe this won’t sound bitter in a song

Life ain’t no game, but don’t you move like a pawn?
Still owe that money: your whole life in hock
Maybe eternity’s not that long

I’d sure like to catch you again in that thong
The jazz of your kiss, like a tenor played hot
Yeah, let eternity groove until dawn

Dumb hummin the blues, one hand on the bong
Can’t tell who I am; can’t say what I’m not
C’mon, brah! ‘Spress yourself better in a song

Just turned 66, but that’s gotta be wrong
Keep meaning to hit the brakes on my clock
Doesn’t eternity seem sorta long?

Spend your whole life meanin not to be wrong
You seen me tryin, but my soul’s about shot

Wish this could all get better in a song
I bet eternity ain’t all that long