Pensieve's Poetic License ~ February:
English Sonnet
Ah, my little poet princes and princesses, are you ready for this month's challenge? I know I am! Poetic ruminations have been rumbling inside my mind since last month's terza rima when quite a few of you ran running and screaming away from Pensieve's Poetic License as fast as you could.
Fourteen lines, that's all I'm asking. A simple rhyme scheme:
abab
cdcd
efef
gg
The first eight lines should develop a thought, with the ninth line (e) marking a turn in your thinking, introducing a surprise twist in theme or imagery.
Do this, and guess what?
You've just written an English Sonnet. It's.that.simple.
Don't make this more difficult than it is; broken down into three quatrains and a couplet, it's very writable. If more explanation would be helpful (or if you'd like to be more technically precise), read Miller's explanation of basic sonnet forms or Wikipedia's description.
For the theme, having just returned from our 13th annual Valentine Tea, I'm inspired by Valentine's Day. I want you to write about something you love. The catch? Instead of writing an expected love sonnet (i.e., about your spouse or babies or faith) I thought it'd be fun to write about a quirky-kind-of-love, paying tribute to something that could be characterized as your "precious". I plan to write about potato chips--you can't get any quirkier or unexpected-er than that when it comes to "love". Bonus points for adding a photo to your poetic post.
Game for this month's challenge? All are invited, and if you post a poem, please check back here on Thursday to add your poem to Mr. Linky so everyone who participates will know to visit.
Would you like an email reminder for PPL? Leave a comment here and I'll be happy to add you to the list :).
I attended a play this weekend all about Shakespeare with sonnets galore. So my mind is in perfect frame.....I think
Posted by: Karmyn R | February 11, 2008 at 11:25 AM
OOOH, fun, I've always wanted to write a sonnet and have never had the nerve to do it. Can't wait. (yeah, send me that email reminder, because I just know I'll forget). ;-)
Posted by: Karina | February 11, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Count me in. I think I'll write about my Mac... maybe. :)
Posted by: Brandon Satrom | February 11, 2008 at 12:00 PM
How does a non-blogger post an entry? I have one.
Posted by: lbc | February 11, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Good grief, woman! Could ya make it anymore complicated??!! *wink*
Posted by: Beth/Mom2TwoVikings | February 11, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Karmyn, I was scared if I mentioned Shakespeare people might run away again...but you, my dear, have an advantage ;).
Karina, I've gotcha covered ;). I've never written one either! Let's hold hands and jump together!! :)
Brandon, I'm pretty doggone sure if I had a Mac, it would be "my precious", too... s i g h ;).
(and welcome!!)
LBC!!! WAHOOO!!! GREAT QUESTION (I'll post a revision to my post, too). If you're a non-blogger simply write you sonnet in the comments section ON THURSDAY and I'll post it later. :) Looking forward to YOURS!
Beth, ummm...yes, I could...is that a challenge??? (next month is EASY! I PROMISE!!)
Posted by: Robin | February 11, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Is it due THIS Thursday? Oh wow - on my to do list...
Posted by: jeanie | February 12, 2008 at 07:00 AM
Oooh - this sounds like a good one - I'll try harder this month!
Posted by: Pass the Torch | February 12, 2008 at 08:37 AM
I will try this one. :)
Posted by: Debbie in a Patch | February 12, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Please send me a reminder along with a brain smart enough to do this.
Posted by: Swampy | February 12, 2008 at 02:18 PM
I'm going to give this a shot. I would love an e-mail reminder if you don't mind.
I've already got my subject...
Posted by: Susan in va | February 12, 2008 at 06:03 PM
Please count me in. I will try and get something together before Thursday...lol.
Posted by: Sandy | February 12, 2008 at 09:13 PM
well i am not a form writer,, but i have some time before the month is out... we'll see... please send me a reminder as well.... thanks
Posted by: paisley | February 12, 2008 at 09:46 PM
I think I'll try.
Posted by: min | February 13, 2008 at 07:40 AM
Potato chips, huh?
You are a crack up. And the thing is; I know it will be good!
Once again, loved catching up here.......
I also have to say; thank you so much for the SWEET comment - you made my day, you sweet thang you!
**hugs**
Posted by: Kristy | February 13, 2008 at 09:11 AM
i really hate to bring this up,, as i feel it is the worst part of writing a sonnet... but what about the ten syllables per line in iambic pentameter??? can we write "sonnets" for the disinterested in the rules bunch,, and just skip that part?????
Posted by: paisley | February 13, 2008 at 09:36 AM
oh shoot me. i have been struggling with a sonnet for a week. i had promised joyce t that i would do her valentines sonnet thing... and i'm FAILING miserably.
sigh. i dont think i can do this one.
Posted by: janet | February 13, 2008 at 02:11 PM
I thought we were doing Italian Sonnets.
How embarrassing!
Posted by: min | February 14, 2008 at 01:19 AM
MY COMPUTER CRASHED! Right now we're not sure we can save any of the hard drive on my business computer. So I'm a little overwhelmed right now. Maybe next month? Sorry!
Posted by: Pass the Torch | February 14, 2008 at 07:40 AM
Mine's up. Is this where we put the link?
Posted by: min | February 14, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Here is the link to mine (I will look for Mr. Linky later).
http://oncedeadbutnowalive.blogspot.com/2008/02/poetry-participation-4-english-sonnet.html
Posted by: InheritorOfHeaven | February 14, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Robin,
Send me little reminders about PPL so that I can keep up. Thanks
Posted by: Peculiar | February 16, 2008 at 10:26 AM