Elusive like a shy gazelle
He lets them seek him everywhere:
This is John Gissing’s villanelle.
Just like the Scarlet Pimpernel
He mocks pursuit with casual flair,
Elusive like a shy gazelle.
Is he in heaven or in hell?
A nun strips to her underwear
To sing John Gissing’s villanelle.
The business deal began so well –
At once it seems beyond repair,
Elusive like a shy gazelle.
Will he the louring clouds dispel?
The Powers-That-Be in despair
Pay for John Gissing’s villanelle.
Let’s end this silly bagatelle
By mentioning a certain chair...
Elusive like a shy gazelle
There flees John Gissing’s villanelle!