An OVILLEJO (the name comes from the Spanish, meaning “tight ball of yarn”) is a verse that consists of ten lines. There are no specific line lengths required, but the shorter lines (numbers 2, 4, and 6) are usually no more than five syllables long, and the other seven lines no more than eight syllables long. The rhyme scheme reveals the mystery of the form:
1. a, Longer line
2. A, Short line
3. b, Longer line
4. B, Short line
5. c, Longer line
6. C, Short line
7. c, Longer line
8. d, Longer line
9. d, Longer line
10. A+B+C <— This line combines Lines 2, 4 and 6 to complete a thought.
Many Ovillejo devotees suggest having the last line or phrase in mind before writing, to help set your theme. (But flying by the seat of your pants offers some interesting variations!)
MARIE ELENA’S ATTEMPT
PURSUED (an Ovillejo)
We need only listen as He speaks, and seeks to keep us from abysmal graves. He saves the weak offender from sin’s cost. The lost redeemed, forgiven, and embossed - sanctified with His holy name - this sinless One who shouldered all our shame. He seeks and saves the lost. (Thanks to DE MILLER JACKSON for reminding me that God pursues me.) © Copyright Marie Elena Good – 2013WALT’S WALTZ:
Nothing is as cheerful as
life is,
quite the grand brand of mirth,
well worth
it until we’re on the gurney.
The journey
keeps your heart in play; the tourney
of your lifetime is played to win and laugh.
So steer away from sins and gaffes,
life is well worth the journey.
© Copyright Walter J. Wojtanik – 2013
February 13th, 2013 at 12:05 AM
Oh! OH! Yes, please! Tomorrow! Yay!
Looooove these!
February 13th, 2013 at 12:06 AM
Oh! Just saw your note, Marie. He does indeed. LOVE your Ovi.
And Walt, yours too. So true.
February 13th, 2013 at 1:14 AM
I agree! Your poem is so good, Marie! And so true. And yours is amazing as well, Walt!
February 13th, 2013 at 1:12 AM
Wisdom (loosely based on Proverbs 8)
She was before the depths, the clouds, the trees;
Far above rubies,
They that get her, get understanding,
She speaks right things.
She cries to the simple, puts forth her voice,
Causing men to rejoice,
Instruction is better than gold of choice.
From the very beginning, she was His,
Possessed by Him from everlasting; she is
Far above rubies; she speaks right things, causing men to rejoice.
February 13th, 2013 at 1:13 AM
I guess my lines were a little too long so the form is messed up. :/
February 13th, 2013 at 3:02 AM
Good words, tho!
February 13th, 2013 at 12:32 PM
Very good thoughts.
February 13th, 2013 at 11:45 PM
Thanks, Hen and Debi! Glad you liked it.
February 13th, 2013 at 2:04 AM
I tried one with shorter lines this time.
Poetry is Music
Poetry is a poet’s kiss;
Poetry is
A song of grief, a song of love,
The music of
Which is the words that take flight, part
My heart;
The words I set in verse, my art,
My poet’s kiss, my sign of love,
A gift sent down from God above;
Poetry is the music of my heart.
February 13th, 2013 at 3:01 AM
Sweet music…
February 13th, 2013 at 10:06 AM
So lovely, Erin. Thank-you for the reminder to watch my line-length;)
February 13th, 2013 at 11:42 PM
Thanks, you two! My pastor just read this proverb on Sunday, and the words stuck. This was a perfect opportunity for me.
February 13th, 2013 at 11:45 PM
Wow! This was supposed to go under my other poem! Whoops! Thank you, though, for this one as well.
February 13th, 2013 at 12:33 PM
Music of my heart -lovely
February 13th, 2013 at 11:43 PM
Thank you, Debi!
February 13th, 2013 at 1:45 PM
Gorgeous, Erin.
February 13th, 2013 at 11:44 PM
Thanks, De! Your opinion means a lot to me!!
February 14th, 2013 at 4:32 PM
Awe! A poet’s kiss!
February 13th, 2013 at 2:58 AM
Meg and Walt, both lovely… Interesting form.
February 13th, 2013 at 4:31 AM
… not thinking too clearly… I’d better go rest with this one… ~ <3 ~
February 13th, 2013 at 3:43 AM
Walt, I’m with you all the way there.
Double Ovillejo
Ancient wisdom not forgotten
life
for the living. Misbegotten
love
makes mockery of sanity.
divine
retribution for vanity
life, love divine.
Insensate mockery of rapture
wine
keeps at bay unthinking capture.
night,
the time when loves have disappeared.:
Sleep
where day’s dreams are yet sequestered.
Wine, night, sleep.
February 13th, 2013 at 1:44 PM
Oh, Viv. What beautiful word bump happening here. Happy, happy ears.
February 13th, 2013 at 11:40 PM
So flowing and pretty! I love it!
February 14th, 2013 at 8:07 AM
Yes…
February 14th, 2013 at 6:51 PM
Wow! I cannot believe you penned two. Both lovely.
February 13th, 2013 at 6:44 AM
This Cat! (Ovillejo)
When a poem comes together, how exciting,
when I’m writing.
But she’s competing for my lap
this cat.
A poem, kind of hazy
drives me crazy.
Now, don’t think I’m lazy.
It flits, almost appearing, but elusive like a ghost.
Surely, no reason to boast.
When I’m writing, this cat drives me crazy.
February 13th, 2013 at 9:36 AM
Connie, love it:) Walt and Marie. wonderful as always.
February 13th, 2013 at 1:44 PM
Connie! I loooove this, and can so relate. My puppy fights for the right to be my “laptop,” daily.
February 13th, 2013 at 3:30 PM
Our poems are sooo evanescent, made to depart by the least distraction.
February 14th, 2013 at 8:09 AM
February 14th, 2013 at 6:51 PM
Good one, Connie!
February 13th, 2013 at 10:05 AM
Marie and De, thank-you for that reminder, He SEEKS us! Like a Shepherd seeks lost sheep He seeks, not only so He knows where we are; He seeks TO SAVE! Hallelujah. Can we dare to not trust such love? Sometimes the unknown threatens to steal my peace and when I read your poem Marie, and your foot-note I was reminded anew who watches over us!
Beyond my faith or fear-filled eyes
The unknown lies
Its moments shaped like precious sands
In loving hands
Before they are released, the staff and rod
Of Father God
To test and try our grasp of dust
To teach us how to hope and trust
In One who holds our moments first
The unknown lies in loving hands of Father God
© Janet Martin
February 13th, 2013 at 12:36 PM
Wonderful truth- faith is hard though.
February 13th, 2013 at 2:30 PM
Yes, faith is hard! I guess that’s what makes it faith, isn’t it?:)
February 13th, 2013 at 1:43 PM
Oh, Janet. My heart aches to trust those loving hands today. Your poem is beautifully perfect.
February 13th, 2013 at 2:31 PM
Thank-you, De.
February 13th, 2013 at 10:04 PM
Amen, in all respects, Janet. I LOVE your uplifting poetry, always.
Marie Elena
February 14th, 2013 at 8:11 AM
Oh… so Lovely!!
February 13th, 2013 at 10:08 AM
Never heard of this form before. Love it
Thirteen (Ovillejo)
Sometimes, I have a hankering
to be thirteen
again, feeling the velvet dusk
and throbbing with
the sweet, intense sensation of
life’s mysteries
that sparkle in the evening air
like glitter in a child’s snow globe
set to tune of haunting flute, oh,
To be thirteen and throbbing with life’s mysteries.
February 13th, 2013 at 10:14 AM
Oh, I see I didn’t comply with the rhyme scheme, bah. Back to the drawing board – sorry for my impatience. : )
February 13th, 2013 at 10:25 AM
Debi, I love it! I don’t think my rhyme scheme is quite correct either. I was focusing on the form!
February 13th, 2013 at 11:27 AM
Patience is not one of my virtues. I get excited and then usually mess up. Thanks for your comment. It made me feel better.
February 13th, 2013 at 2:33 PM
February 13th, 2013 at 10:19 AM
…Only…? ~ Musings ~
I will wonder who you are…Still…
You will
forever stay, though I must try…
Be my
inspiration then; let me choose,
Muse,
to follow with hope; to not lose
the magic of your Presence
as you dissolve to essence…
Always, you will be my Muse.
February 13th, 2013 at 1:42 PM
Oh! Beautiful, Henrietta. Amen.
February 14th, 2013 at 8:14 AM
Why, Thank You, De, I am Honored… !
February 13th, 2013 at 5:43 PM
Beautiful!!! I love your last line and how you were able to incorporate it throughout the poem!
February 14th, 2013 at 8:15 AM
Thank you, so much, Erin!!
February 14th, 2013 at 4:37 PM
Love how you weaved this together.
February 15th, 2013 at 1:17 AM
Oh, thank you, jlynn!
February 14th, 2013 at 5:41 PM
Sweet musings, indeed, Hen. Lovely.
February 15th, 2013 at 1:19 AM
Aww, thank you so much, Jane… He has me, and he doesn’t even know it… ~ <3 ~
February 15th, 2013 at 1:21 AM
What a nice thought – and poem, too.
February 15th, 2013 at 8:28 AM
Oh, thank you, Viv!!
February 13th, 2013 at 11:26 AM
Let me try this again – correctly this time, I hope.
Thirteen
Sometimes, I have a hanker keen.
Oh, to be thirteen
again, living inside dusk’s pith
and vibrating with
sensations -sweet, intense- that dare
life’s craved mysteries fair
that sparkle in the evening air
like glitter tossed from childish hand
to conceal secrets banned.
Oh, to be thirteen and vibrating with life’s craved mysteries fair.
February 13th, 2013 at 11:30 AM
Drat! Well, except for the spacing! Looks like I am going to be a pain-don’t kick me out, sigh.
February 14th, 2013 at 8:17 AM
Hee, hee… hang in there, Debi, you will Never be kicked out of this haven…
!!
February 13th, 2013 at 1:42 PM
Debi, this is lovely. And that comes from someone who wouldn’t be 13 again if you PAID me.
February 14th, 2013 at 8:18 AM
Ha, ha, ha… I Hear ya, De!
February 13th, 2013 at 11:38 PM
Really good! It’s only been 2 1/2 years since I was thirteen. I still feel the same.
February 14th, 2013 at 2:09 PM
Thanks Henrietta
Whimsey, I’m with ya, I wouldn’t go back either, I just want the “first time feelings and longings” occasionally.
Erin – I feel that way in my head but the rest of me laughs with a sneer.
February 14th, 2013 at 4:24 PM
Erin! I cannot BELIEVE you aren’t even 16. There is such depth to your writing already. Oh, girl. You are gonna be a poetic force of nature. AWESOME. Keep spilling those words!
February 14th, 2013 at 5:00 PM
Thank you so much, De! I would never have been able to write anything without Marie’s help though. That’s where the credit lies: right at her doorstep.
February 15th, 2013 at 12:17 PM
She’s astounding, isn’t she? To be such a talented writer, and then be all about encouraging others? I don’t know what I would do without her, either.
February 15th, 2013 at 5:11 PM
*blush blush*
February 16th, 2013 at 2:13 AM
It’s all true though!
February 13th, 2013 at 11:59 AM
“Perseverance”
Upon the knee grandpa taught,
Child, give not
heed to craven men whose
one excuse
for failure is denial
before trial,
who give up every worthwhile
struggle at first glance
of one deceptive hindrance.
Child, give not one excuse before trial.
February 13th, 2013 at 12:37 PM
This I love.
February 13th, 2013 at 1:41 PM
Awesomeness, JLynn.
February 13th, 2013 at 2:34 PM
Brilliant!
February 13th, 2013 at 10:02 PM
A wow.
A wow….
Marie Elena
February 13th, 2013 at 11:37 PM
SO TRUE!!!
February 14th, 2013 at 8:23 AM
Yes!
February 14th, 2013 at 4:40 PM
Thanks, guys!
February 14th, 2013 at 6:53 PM
Beautiful, jlynn.
February 13th, 2013 at 1:34 PM
Full Disclosure
It isn’t that I can’t trust
you, just
that even heaven up above
never loved
these dreams, so truth will fight
me, right?
Here in my arms wrapped tight,
your heart concealed
all is revealed:
You just never loved me right.
February 13th, 2013 at 2:36 PM
Oh De, I don’t tell you often enough as I ‘open’ each poem in my in-box, just HOW you continually WOW as you share your God-given gift! Thank-you.
February 14th, 2013 at 4:28 PM
Awww. Thank you, Janet. And right back atcha.
February 13th, 2013 at 2:46 PM
That is so good… and yet so sad.
February 14th, 2013 at 4:28 PM
Thank you, Debi. I’m so thankful to call it “past life.”
February 13th, 2013 at 3:31 PM
Oh, so sad.
February 14th, 2013 at 4:29 PM
Thanks, Viv.
February 13th, 2013 at 11:32 PM
This is amazing! Ever since I read your interview with Marie Elena, you have been a HUGE inspiration to me, De, and you never cease to amaze me! Beautiful poem!!
February 14th, 2013 at 4:25 PM
Thank you so much, Erin. I left you a comment above. I had NO IDEA you were so young. Your work is amazing. It give me chills to think of all you will do with your writing in the many years to come. AMAZING.
February 14th, 2013 at 5:02 PM
Well I’m certainly going to keep writing. Thanks! ❤
February 14th, 2013 at 8:24 AM
February 14th, 2013 at 4:29 PM
Thank you, Henrietta.
February 14th, 2013 at 4:41 PM
Articulate, poetic, concise, and honest.
February 14th, 2013 at 4:49 PM
Wow, JLynn. Those are some flattering adjectives. Thank you so much.
February 14th, 2013 at 5:39 PM
De, you make this form look so easy and it whipped my butt. I’m fanning you with peacock feathers here.
February 15th, 2013 at 12:19 PM
Thanks, Jane. Robert introduced me to it a few years ago, and I love them. I played around with them for a long time before they felt any kind of natural. And when penning them this week, I still had to refresh my process.
I don’t always enjoy strict poetic rules, but for some reason the Ovillejo makes me happy. 
February 15th, 2013 at 11:04 PM
And your writing makes me happy. You rock, kiddo!
February 13th, 2013 at 2:18 PM
Ovillejo–interesting form; tricky without being unscrupulous in design. I may have to investigate this one further. Thanks, Walt and Marie for introducing it to me. Here’s my try for today.
Pictures
From time’s massive camera
Come ephemera;
Photos shot in slow motion,
Leaving emotion
To run with tide’s lingering doubt,
Creating devout
Thoughts of time’s overall meaning
Within life’s framework built of clocks,
Daily acts made as building blocks
For a Heaven’s mansion devout.
February 13th, 2013 at 3:31 PM
Lovely.
February 13th, 2013 at 5:19 PM
Thanks, Viv. I’m glad you liked it.
February 13th, 2013 at 11:35 PM
This is lovely, Clauds! The last line, however, is supposed to combine the 2nd, 4th, and 6th lines to form a sentence. I love your subject though! Photography! One of my hobbies!
February 14th, 2013 at 11:09 AM
Thanks, Erin. I didn’t understand that that was the case in the last line. I’ll have to go in and see what I can do about that. I’m glad you liked it though.
February 14th, 2013 at 5:04 PM
You’re welcome. It’s REALLY good though.
February 14th, 2013 at 8:28 AM
Yes, I Love the articulation of a moment’s capture…
February 14th, 2013 at 11:11 AM
!!:)!!
February 15th, 2013 at 1:13 AM
February 13th, 2013 at 2:31 PM
Struck
I laud the stars above
and love
to wish upon them, too.
Won’t you
come bid the hands of time
be mine?
Beneath this salted sky,
it’s simpler than it seems;
Every girl’s got her dreams.
And, Love: won’t you be mine?
February 13th, 2013 at 2:44 PM
sweet. I like that. perfect for Valentines
February 13th, 2013 at 3:32 PM
That would work beautifully in a Valentine card.
February 13th, 2013 at 11:36 PM
SO sweet! I love the stars!
February 14th, 2013 at 8:31 AM
Oh, Perfect title, and I love: “…Beneath this salted sky,…” Wonderful to read on this Valentine’s Day…
February 14th, 2013 at 5:37 PM
Ditto on Viv’s comment. It’s lovely.
February 14th, 2013 at 6:56 PM
Oh, De. I feel like I just unwrapped dark chocolate creams. Wonderful.
February 13th, 2013 at 2:37 PM
[...] In-form Poet Wednesday – Ovillejo (poeticbloomings.com) [...]
February 13th, 2013 at 2:39 PM
[...] Co-prompted by, and shared at: Poetic Bloomings and Poetic [...]
February 13th, 2013 at 10:14 PM
Once (an ovillejo)
In summer, bands play when they could,
where the towers stood.
Some workers ate lunches they’d brought,
some alone, in thought.
Others feeling their energy drained
remained,
longer than they should, but explained
that they had waited long in line
for the hot dog cart on Pine.
Where the towers stood, some alone in thought, remained.
February 14th, 2013 at 8:32 AM
Bittersweet… “…some alone in thought, remained.”
February 14th, 2013 at 6:31 PM
Thanks, Hen. I found this challenge quite difficult. Took many tries.
February 15th, 2013 at 1:09 AM
Yes, it took me hours, resting/sleeping, and more hours… But, it is work that I Love… !!
February 14th, 2013 at 5:36 PM
Such a gentle, wistful poem, a small picture that invokes a remembrance. Nice.
February 14th, 2013 at 6:29 PM
Thanks, Jane!
February 14th, 2013 at 11:19 AM
Erin clued me in as to Rule #10′s message. Thank you, Erin. So, I went back in and corrected the line; hopefully this will suffice and tie everything together satisfactorily.
Pictures
From time’s massive camera
Come ephemera;
Photos shot in slow motion,
Leaving emotion
To run with tide’s lingering doubt,
Creating devout
Thoughts of time’s overall meaning
Within life’s framework built of clocks,
Daily acts made as building blocks
Ephemera’s emotion creates devout..
February 14th, 2013 at 6:56 PM
This works quite well!
February 14th, 2013 at 8:26 PM
Thanks so much, my friend. I hate it when I’ve missed a crucial piece of the puzzle and then have to redo.
February 15th, 2013 at 1:08 AM
I Love both versions, Clauds!
February 15th, 2013 at 4:09 AM
Ah, thanks, Hen. I’m so glad.
February 15th, 2013 at 8:32 AM
February 14th, 2013 at 12:53 PM
This form was tricky! Here is my attempt: http://lolamousedroppings.blogspot.com/2013/02/love.html
February 15th, 2013 at 1:04 AM
Lovely truths!
February 14th, 2013 at 1:28 PM
Confectionary Dreams
During the night, a giant hand
passed over the land
gently tapping a sifter can,
sprinkling began
not water but powder falling
a storm stalling
but as the dawn begins crawling
and as we rise out of our beds –
candy coated trees greet our heads.
Over the land sprinkling begins, a storm stalling.
February 14th, 2013 at 5:33 PM
Michelle, what delightful imagery. That last line really is like meanings exploding into possibility. And so effortlessly (it seems). Love it.
February 15th, 2013 at 1:00 AM
Yes, such powdery sweetness!!
February 14th, 2013 at 4:23 PM
For those of you who participated in the 14 Words of Love project, this was a little bit of what happened today, giving those poems away during my errands. Not everyone I gave them to, of course, were strangers, but many were and were cautious, suspicious, willing, and then delighted. It was a kick to watch that happen.
Poem Project
In parking lots, on ‘blab of pave,’
I gave
small poems to no one I knew.
A few
looked at me as if I were strange;
a change
lit up their faces in exchange.
They read words from a poet’s heart
and smiled, struck by a cupid’s dart.
I gave a few a change.
February 15th, 2013 at 12:58 AM
February 14th, 2013 at 5:31 PM
Time Warps
Our ambling walk down lonely lanes,
our hope explains,
means we are works in slow progress.
We often guess—
so much of what we dream or think
changes when we blink:
like faith’s mirages, life is pink
then fading gray; time slips away
unless we grasp it and obey.
We often guess our hope, explain, change when we blink.
February 14th, 2013 at 6:58 PM
Beautiful, Jane.
February 15th, 2013 at 12:55 AM
“…like faith’s mirages…” Lovely…
February 14th, 2013 at 8:24 PM
Sentimental Valentine’s Day Poem
Can’t give to you my heart.
Spare part
it’s not. I need it ‘cause
it was
and is an organ I
could die
without. I would comply
but after lots of thought
there’s just this card I bought.
Aren’t I a thoughtful guy?
###
February 15th, 2013 at 8:33 AM
February 14th, 2013 at 9:22 PM
I’m late! Sorry, been busy…
Breaking News
Suffice to say, to be brief, all in all:
I recall:
Once upon a time, long, long ago–
You know?
And a thousand other false almost-starts…
We’re apart.
Need I say more? I remember what you told me
–So carefree!
You had no idea how mangled and strangled I’d be
Now–and your words, remembered, like a rock in my gut,
Have spawn a thousand “I can’t”s and “Not now”s and “but”s.
In a nutshell, how do I articulate a broken heart?
February 15th, 2013 at 12:52 AM
February 15th, 2013 at 1:30 AM
One more for luck!
Ovillijo
History is bunkum
Forget what they say about history.
History
depends on who’s writing it.
Exciting, it
can be truthful or biased, lies
or elliptical.
Patriotism incompatible
with reliable history:
my truth, your truth, a mystery.
History: exciting or elliptical?
February 15th, 2013 at 8:35 AM
Spot on… Perspective is Everything when it comes to words…
February 15th, 2013 at 7:55 PM
You all make me want every week to be Ovillejo week!
Marie Elena
February 16th, 2013 at 2:42 PM
Little late to the dance – Blown away by everyone’s writings. Feel like a whittler at a sawmill.
The following is for the love of my life. My wife’s name is “Shirley” which I considered using in place of “surely”. I often interplay her name that way.
i.e. One of my favorites – “Shirley” goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. (Psalm 23:6)
Captured Heart
By David De Jong
February 16, 2013
I saw your eyes of jasmine cream
Silhouette of dream
Cotton shorts, bronzed, summer’s July
I can not lie
You captured me with just one gaze
Surely best my days
I loved you then and will always
Cherished memory where it stays
A love come true so many ways
Silhouette of dream, I can not lie, surely best my days