Legend says that around 1458, Charles d'Orleans (duke, and prominent poet of his time) held a poetic contest, where everyone was to compose a ballade starting with the line

Je meurs de soif auprès de la fontaine
I die of thirst at the fountain side

Many beautiful things were created, but it was François Villon who, having composed the brilliant, deep, eternal Ballad of Contradictions, came out winner. Thus, our contest is named after him.

A new opening line will be given every Thursday, or, if the things go slower than expected, on the 17th of every month. It is offered by the one who was the first to post in the previous round; thus, s/he plays Charles d'Orleans in this very round. If s/he has already been Charles d'Orleans, the next one to post plays this part in this round, and so on, till everybody has been the duke once, - and then we restart.

If the round is over, but your inspiration prompts you to start with a line already used in one of the previous rounds, feel free to do so! The list of all lines will be at the bottom of this post.

And Nikolett must post a poem in every round.

Current opening line:

Where do I go from here? (Odetta)

Previous opening lines:

His king is dead. His army is defeated. (Jean)