Nice quatern! You've chosen a good subject for that repeated line - it makes the poem powerful in its delivery - I could feel the frustration and angst throughout because of it.

I think you have done a really good job with this one Barbara. :)

Syllable count:

Second stanza = first line 7 ( meddlers is 2 syllables )

Third stanza = last line 9 ( miserables is 4 )

it's hard to think what could replace meddlers - gossips ( not sure that would work )
"those unhappy love company" - maybe - ( just ideas )

That's according to my syllable count - see what others say.

Love Mand xxxx

P.s title is perfect

Thumbs up from me! xxxx

Thums up from me too Barbara

Regards,

First of all "mis'rable" is pronounced naturally with but three syllables. The contraction is how you would say it in a natural sentence. Say it aloud in a sentence.

Now the important stuff. Your refrain must match the stanza. For example the last stanza is perfect. The refrain belongs there. In some of the other stanza the line is simply there because it has to be according to the form. It should feel like the continuation of a sentence. As though it were the second half of a thought.
Does that make sense?

Once again we have words from many part of the world that are spoken with accents or should I say accent on various parts of a long word, so we have a problem sometimes, not to worry your accent to me would be like music to others it may grate.

Mis er ab les.. or Mis er able.. the first being similar to the French as when you add an "s" it seems to stretch the word into one more syllable, the second one is just the three syllables and more correct.
"Misery likes company" is an old cliché which may help in this word sort, lol
Take care young Lady and the poetry will become as you speak and will not lose it's beauty, though damn it we have to stick to form when writing set pieces.
Yours as always Ian xx

I still add that your poem has a voice..a strong narrative
theme....its powerful...natural one..
The words of spoken language are many....at work we
have three languages..or we get to hear expressions
and explanations...French canadian..German..and of
course English...Dialect is like poetry...sacre blu to say
somethings in its correct derivative where you live or grew
up...if one was writing a book of poems from the south
One would be inclusive to the language and style..
In the north one would have the inflections that make
us sound funny to say. Australlians..both English speaking
countries.. From you Barbara I am getting this style of
poem....you have this patience in your writing..and vigor
and ardor about life...Conviction about the common morality too
which I like. I relate to the poem...One of the ones who colors
outside the lines....and to conclude with my comment..To this poem and you as a poet ..There is nothing wrong with rules..Or to
pertain to manners where people will not be injured by a selfish unkindness! My Bunni is like this..perhaps we balance!! Thank You Barbara!

-(I am one who colors outside the lines)~Correction!
thank you.