The day begins while the night retreats.
Twinkling stars put their light away,
And the moon shows forth her final feats.

Flocking geese sound their classic cry,
Protest a lone bird’s will to stay.
The day begins while the night retreats.

Breezes blow softly, the clouds roll by
Moving steadily on their way,
And the moon shows forth her final feats.

A peeking sun rubs her sleepy eye.
The small birds squawk as if to say,
The day begins while the night retreats.

Dawning brightens a once-black sky,
Silhouettes evergreen across the bay,
And the moon shows forth her final feats.

Night bids the fading stars good-bye.
A yellow sun leaps out to play.
The day begins while the night retreats,
And the moon shows forth her final feats.

 

Edit: For a definition of villanelle and an example of Dynan Thomas’s famous villanelle, “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night,” see Poets.org