Remnants

This was written in grade 12 writer's craft class, and was inspired by the poem Ozymandias by Percey Bysshe Shelley (if you haven't read it I greatly recommend it). For information on what exactly a villanelle is, I will direct you to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villanelle).

Long time ago, they ruled this land

Fierce warriors all, brave and true

Now all that remains are stories and sand

Their kingdom, once small, was quick to expand

it's reach, clutching at cities less fortunate, and it grew,

Long time ago, they ruled this land

With a crushing grip, a fierce command

Many they enslaved and many they slew.

Now all that remains are stories and sand.

Stories of cities, rich and grand

Of rulers defeated and vows renewed.

Long time ago, they ruled this land

Passing their legends from hand to hand,

Old tales rewritten and told anew.

Now all that remains are stories and sand.

Where their people flourished, only desert stands.

Their kingdom, once mighty, has faded from view.

Long time ago, they ruled this land.

Now all that remains are stories and sand.