The Lure of the Lethargic Life – A Villanelle

Laziness, you lounge with a lulling grin,

I lie like laundry, limp and loose in bed.

You win the war before I can begin.

I dream of deeds, but drowsy demons spin

A web of yawns that wrap around my head.

Laziness, you lounge with a lulling grin.

No will to work, no zest to strive or win—

My limbs rebel, they’re heavy, hushed, and lead.

You win the war before I can begin.

Each urgent urge, you toss into the bin

And tempt me toward the couch instead.

Laziness, you lounge with a lulling grin.

You pamper me with snacks and slothful sin,

And feed my soul with buttered toast and dread.

You win the war before I can begin.

Yet, sly siren, your charm is wearing thin—

I long to rise, but choose to nap instead.

Laziness, you lounge with a lulling grin—

You win the war before I can begin.

Dr Ritu Kamra Kumar