Matthew R. Callies

Villanelle for a Plastic Oracle

Ask your question, give the sphere a shake,
The future swirling in a murky swirl;
“Reply hazy, try again”—for wisdom’s sake.

Inside that globe where drifting answers wake,
A tiny oracle begins to whirl;
Ask your question, give the sphere a shake.

Fate feels lighter when there’s chance at stake—
A toy’s pronouncement dressed as cosmic pearl;
“Reply hazy, try again”—for wisdom’s sake.

Some seek truth; others just want a break,
A wink from destiny, a tilt, a twirl;
Ask your question, give the sphere a shake.

Though mystery may bend, but never break,
Its twelve-faced prophecy will still unfurl:
“Reply hazy, try again”—for wisdom’s sake.

Lean close, dream-seeker—what path will you take?
The ball awaits, blue window set to swirl.
Ask your question, give the sphere a shake;
“Reply hazy, try again”—for wisdom’s sake.