Depression Villanelle
by J.C. Reilly
The darkness like an eclipse came
slowly, though at first, I did not see
how it spread. The feathers of blame
began to cleave to my weary frame
and failures like rocks upended me.
The darkness like an eclipse came
and I lived the days in bed the same
as nights. As though I’d lost the key
to consciousness. Feathers of blame
swirled about me, kept up their aim
against my weakest points, as by decree.
The darkness like an eclipse came
and so too arrived the tears and shame
in moments of lucidity.
As they spread, the feathers of blame
choked me of breath, overcame
me till there was nothing left but pleas.
The darkness like an eclipse came.
It spreads like sorrow, like plumes of blame.
slowly, though at first, I did not see
how it spread. The feathers of blame
began to cleave to my weary frame
and failures like rocks upended me.
The darkness like an eclipse came
and I lived the days in bed the same
as nights. As though I’d lost the key
to consciousness. Feathers of blame
swirled about me, kept up their aim
against my weakest points, as by decree.
The darkness like an eclipse came
and so too arrived the tears and shame
in moments of lucidity.
As they spread, the feathers of blame
choked me of breath, overcame
me till there was nothing left but pleas.
The darkness like an eclipse came.
It spreads like sorrow, like plumes of blame.
JC Reilly is the author of four poetry collections, including What Magick May Not Alter, a Southern Gothic novel-in-verse. She teaches creative writing and serves as editor of Atlanta Review. She makes her home with three cats. Follow her on Bluesky @aishatonu.bsky.social.