I enjoy the repetition in Bon Jovi’s song Livin’ on a Prayer, and I’ve always found it a powerful message. So, I thought I might rearrange the lyrics into a villanelle.
Gina works the diner all day
And that’s a lot
But, Baby, it’s okay…
She brings home her pay
If we’re ready or not
Gina works the diner all day
She dreams of running away
Tommy’s got his six-string on hock
But, baby, it’s okay…
We’re livin’ when we pray
Tommy used to work on the dock
Gina works the diner all day
There ain’t no other way,
Workin’ off the clock
But, baby, it’s okay…
Union’s been on strike, that way
No place left to drive, we walk
Gina works the diner all day
But, Baby, it’s okay…
The Midnight Writer 