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2018 Poetry Form Challenge#22 French Sonnet |
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By the time Wyatt and Surrey introduced Petrarch to England, sonnets were popular throughout
Europe, including France where a group called "Pleiade" was dedicated to importing Italian
poetry. Despite the aggression between England and France, because of the closeness of the two countries is it logical to assume that there would be a secondary source of the sonnet form imported into England and that it be via France. Realistically apart from the 14 lines, and an octave of two quatrains there is no obvious link of the English to the Italian Forms as the internal rhymes are different, and what is proposed here is that the French Sonnet is that link. Like the Italian and the English it has an octave comprising two quatrains, but unlike the Italian and like the English it has a sestet comprised of a couplet and a quatrain and it is possible that the English sonnet was derived from the French Sonnet form and not the Italian one. The difference being that the English grouped the Quatrains together and turned (Volta) with a couplet the last two lines, but the French turned with the sestet and used the quatrain to close. The internal rhyme is still different, but that can be attributed to the differences of the "Romance" language which has its own natural rhythm and rhyme, compared to English and the more natural did dah line rhyme just as Iambic is considered to be "English Sing Song". The form has exactly the same quatrain as the Petrarch .. a. b. b. a ... a. b. b. a. The sestet begins with a couplet .. c. c., and like the Italian sestet, we have a choice of quatrains to play with. .. d. e. e. d. or more French, .. d. c. c. d. or more English .. d. e. d. e.
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French Sonnet Challenge
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Maryse AchongHindus everywhere today celebrate The Festival of Lights, their Divali, To mark how goodness can claim victory Over evil; a day to contemplate: And as families and friends congregate To share food, gifts and camaraderie, Though Christian I honour this day for we Are all brothers, so I participate. When darkness comes our isle will be alight With deyas that will burn throughout the night. Like Christmas Divali comes once a year, A chance for us to make a brand new start To sew the seeds of love within each heart; What better way to spread joy and good cheer.  ----- Divali Celebrations I stained my finger, dipped it in red ink Today, and whilst I don't hold out much hope That my choice will climb the slippery slope To success this time, there are those who think They have a chance, that things change in the blink Of an eye, and they've given enough rope For another group to hang themselves; scope For victory; they have to swim or sink. I pray that I have cast my ballot well, What will come after only time will tell. I love my home, it has always been so No other place on earth I want to be, From outside to the bone, a 'true Trini;' But ugly currents drive our undertow. ----- Equal Place He sometimes attends church this aged man, Who lives in a mental facility, And there are times it's true when he can be A pest, and so some 'church folk' tried to ban Him from this place of prayer; a devious plan That did not work; and because at times he Will squeeze himself into a pew you see He is a source of distress to the 'clan.' The lesson that was taught today was deep I pray it roused those amongst us who sleep. The Pharisee stood proud, launched an attack On 'lesser' folk, as he pounded his chest; The Publican stayed humbly in the back, Denouncing himself as he beat his breast. ----- Ever Grateful He loved me before I was even born, He gave me parents who were there for me, With two brothers guarding me zealously: But when my Father died I could not mourn His passing long enough, I felt forlorn; Until my Mum said “Maryse, let him be, He’s run his race and we were so lucky To share his life, but he was weary, worn.” I marvelled for I knew she missed him so, But accepted his time had come to go. From deep inside I give thanks every day, For though unworthy I’ve been greatly blessed, And even when I complain and protest, My heart speaks more than words could ever say. ----- That's Life We stumble often sometimes even fall Upon Life's rocky road of ups and downs, And there are times we get up, make no sounds, And continue our journey, standing tall. Sometimes we stand our backs against a wall, And listen to our own heart as it pounds Furiously in our breast, fear knows no bounds; Those are the times we whimper and we crawl. Life can be beautiful, a dream come true, But Life can play some dirty tricks on you. We're in the game from birth until we die, We learn to take the punches on the chin, Bandage our wounds, face the world with a grin , Because we know big boys and girls don't cry. back to list |
Terry ClitheroeI wonder what is our final destiny And if Fate will always be in control? In Youth, Sonata Allegro is the roll Realise now that music is an entity Adagio is at ease, comfortable, whole. With middle life we have serenity Then a crescendo and the final ecstasy. The beat picks up with a lively call. An encore and violins claim attention Then cellos take us to a new dimension Followed by the woodwind fixing the mood After the applause the music doesn't exist It's the day we finally disappear in the mist Up in the clouds we smile, life has been good.  ----- Bells Beach It was autumn, the tourists had gone away And another sunny day, another time. Slightly warmer perhaps for this clime We had decided this was the place to stay. Walking along the beach we'd walk every day Stopping awhile to skim a stone, a time sublime Then chase on again to run just in playtime Such were our days and such was our play. Daily drives to tourist traps and shopping malls And the nights of love where I was enthralled Or spend a day driving visiting old friends Driving back with a Guinness smile and a mem'ry Too soon time calls "Quit" and all this ends Through mists of time remembering what used to be.  ----- Dragon Wings Gliding on mighty dragon wings, Floating high o'er silken cloud, Of sweet white cotton candy crowd, Looking below makes my heart sing. Ploughed field are not for kings Tapestried earth make farmers proud But fit warriors only with a shroud And dragons think of different things. We think of gold as common stuff, Whilst what we have is quite enough, Greed and power is the sin of clan Humans acquire all sorts of stuff Being told that their life is tough, This is the first lie told by man.  ----- Eternal Wine Somewhere in the mists of time I met you Sharing wine and bread together you and I Singing songs to echo through eternity And each life we wait until our rendezvous. With each meeting this life the days are few Sharing wine and bread and being happy Confident of a love that is a certainty Planned by fate, getting stronger as it grew Once again somewhere in time we shall meet We will move in time and feet will tap a beat As we sing and speak of our love in rhyme. Breaking bread, and from the wineglass sup Life's wine growing tastier with each cup Certain we'll meet again, somewhere in time.  ----- Foolish Jokes Some foolish jokes can amuse you Others can hurt and break your heart It takes time to mend that broken part. Sometimes it takes a week or two. Sometimes the relationship is through Because of words and what they impart When a friend is trying to be too smart And things said in innocence end in a blue. Foolish jokes are made to make us grin Not meant to humble us or get under skin. The more serious we take ourself, The greater will be the resulting pain. Just put your ego back on the shelf, And learn to be human once again.  Eleanore Fortescue ----- Heaven Heaven is always full of children's laughter For wherever there are children there is God. Never questioning love or of thinking it's odd. It is being with your lover and the ever after, Heaven's a million things not just the hereafter It is sitting down, enjoying an ice-cream glob Secure in the knowledge of each other's love. Swapping tastes with your lover and laughter It is waking up in a morning with the view, Of seeing her smile and hearing, "I love you". Heaven is sitting down together saying naught The smile in her eyes tell you thousands of things Feel sorrow for those not knowing what love brings And making you realise how easy Heaven is bought.  ----- I love the way I love the way that you have opened my eyes It is nothing of what I may say or of how I speak There is no bias or anger on which to wreak But merely an opening to love, a surprise. I see you now, welcome me without a disguise We have known each other forever, or a week We have shared our souls and seen me weak And now we are soul mates, there are no lies. Because of the time here I cannot tell you Because of the where I cannot show you. Believe in a time when all will make sense Believe in a time when all cannot be new But more importantly will always be you By opening up there is no need for defence.  Jeannies Kitten - Boris Vallejo & Julie Bell ----- Kiss Me Kiss me and think nought of yesterday Because passion today is so easily bought. But that's not the way I was taught. The cheaper bought the easier given away Respect your partner is the proper way I expect you'll laugh at what I was taught Finally with time learn how respect's sought. Then later perhaps detect some wise old essay There is no easy way to love, it's never free But once gained it can be nurtured so easily. Kiss me and realise there will be no sorrow Now raise your glass to mine and let's drink. With time your apprehensions will shrink Our glasses will clink, celebrating tomorrow.  ----- Le Cafe Guitars, soft rhythm slips out, Like a soft, tongued incision, Licking, slowly, into persuasion, Until achieving that ecstatic shout. Percussion beats its electronic pout, A more solid bodied invasion, Powerful, thrusting, precision, Of orgasmic rhythm, no doubt. Yielding calls to another's soul, Are answered making one whole. Gentle heartbeats are shared by two, And caring conversation is the way. Love and music shall carry the day, And carry into the night time to.  ----- Morning Thoughts I looked this morning for the first time Seeing a whole new world waiting. For a while watching blue skies creating White scudding airships, and their climb Towards their port a darkness away. I heard the birds no longer mating Instead like any couple debating Food and kids and school and crime. I pondered on this and went my way It gave an insight in how to treat my day. I feel the media has too much power It tries too much to control our lives What was a good thing has turned sour Spreading deceit is how it survives.  ----- Nuovo Viaggio Soft winds blow o'er moonlit sheets of green Highlighting darker paths of what was brown, Leading from what was a familiar town, To an unknown future, and places yet unseen. Clouds silently manoeuvre and reset the scene And doubt enters the mind and on the face a frown Replaces carefree smile as rain suddenly beats down. Swiftly removing pictures of what could have been. What was promise now seems lost in all the rain Creating more fear to walk on this new path again. But come the morn, a new sight will be seen, With once dull pastures shiny, refreshed withal And drought starved trees again standing tall As strong winds blow o'er sunlit sheets of green.  ----- Perplexity When I talk to you the words come easy, Yet inside the turmoil, the excitement, Can my words cause you torment, When each syllable slips out so freely? Show me that you think I'm worthy, And you really know what is meant. Don't miss my love, my true intent, My mind willing to speak so lovingly. But what of you, what do you say Except to smile, and then walk away. Understand my doubt and set me free, Do not walk away, instead please talk, Then hand in hand, we can walk, And spend together in eternity.  ----- Within the setting sun Your eyes reflect gold from the setting sun. Your kiss is far sweeter than any breeze. Your movements show intent to please, In my heart I know our eve has just begun. That feeling now, oh how my head has spun, Just like waves I feel your gentle touches tease. Your voice, a whisper gives my senses ease, I can't wait to see your eyes in the rising sun. Like the sand succumbs to the waved measure I lie back awhile and savour this time of leisure. Your eyes still flashing, they are oh so bright I know now that I have found my treasure. A life spent with you would be a pleasure, So I kiss you, and bid you, a loving good-night.  ----- Yin and Yang We talk as if we know the facts That we have met and loved before Realising it was on another shore Since then we have taken many tracks. The Yin and Yang always attracts Separation making love grow more Closer to eternity we now explore Our last lessons readying our acts. Will silent days and fasts prepare us, Or need to be together and assess Our souls progress and their need for what? We are now aware of what we need Knowing fate has carefully laid the seed We will make the time to carefully plot.  back to list |
Divena CollinsWhat is silicone shall it be of plastic Or of a made up synthetic compound Where inert polymers shall be found But inplants of silicone may be drastic Within falsity may be vainly dramatic Silence cannot remain for ever unbound Within these modern ways of ultrasound May reveal the future as problematic It may be far better to leave well alone Than suffer the outcome of the unknown Be happy that life has prospered so well Within health and comfort in abundance Do not be lured within the silicone gel That may condone a polluted substance.  ----- Aqua Aerobics This day I have been to Aqua Aerobics I within a black designer swim suit And was feeling not so bad to boot Confidence reigned but so did tricks Most present were of younger chicks I with confidence never cared a hoot Though I was never really an enthusiac My climax came with latin American dance Steps of passion was in with my chance Which is where I had made my final bow 'Though scared I was of acting the fool That was way back when it was all the go Until I had revived what was once cool.  ----- Cast Nout,'Til May's Out This day almost felt like an early spring Skies of blue and the earth was like new I saw a shoot where the snowdrops grew Migrating birds were not yet on the wing But I had heard the crow and a robin sing Days like this were rare except for a few An early spring may never remain as true It's just mother of nature doing her thing Making hay whilst the warm sun may shine Ne-er cast off clothes not yours nor mine Tomorrow may change this I do know Cannot rely on the immediate forecast For winds may bring the oncoming snow Then the spring like weather may not last.  ----- Darkness Unto Light I looked for you but the night was dark Not a star in the skye to light my way I waited within time I dared not stay God only knows what fate may embark Tho' I searched in vain all was so stark Fate only knew that I should lose my way With the night against me there was no day A glimmer of hope that lets off a spark May recover your image from the unknown Brightness of a star that was never shown No matter how I called out your name My efforts were just to be unspoken Deep in the darkest night was to blame Yet within our star it became unbroken.  ----- Desert Mirage As the desert sand grows hot within the east I watch the misty haze of a lovers mirage This fantasy within loves visional corsage Returns as in lore with power increased This shall be so as for man and for beast Powers of instinct thus man may invisage All that shall be unto his prime advantage Let the love of a desert remain unleashed Love hath come and love conquered all Softly hath spoken within an eastern call The heat of the moment so soft of heart Shall but treasure the warmth there upon The sun and the sands of the east may part Yet passion lingers and shall ever dwell on.  ----- Ghost Tree Shadows play tricks to the fearful eye Within a dark night in a woodland glade Amidst mystic shadows that promenade Against a magical moon that wonders defy The foggy dew that gathers beneath the sky Shall enhance a bleakness this night made That ghostly scene between light and shade Whispering breeze and a breathless sigh Teased against dark and the moons light Fears of invaded spirits of the night That may instil terror unto the unknown And shall haunt within tapestry of time Yet still the spirits thrive to be shown Within the same place in another clime.  ----- Grandma Wins Maybe the lull before a violent storm Not a thing within pleasure to obtain Except splashing in puddles yet again As an adult when ever shall I reform I do not think that I shall ever conform I may ever be happier when I see rain Maybe I still have my youth to regain When it is cold I shall remain as warm Something inside says I do not belong But I know myself that they are wrong I may be happy doing what pleases me Until the time when I hear the final call 'Tis then I shall resist complete and free When the final day arrives I shall not fall.  ----- Instinctive Love I who felt his warm breath upon my face Within passions that forgoeth such pleasure Of loves embraces that shall ever measure Up to dreams of two lovers close embrace As they felt the ecstasy of touch retrace Such a feeling shall be ours to treasure When instinct of lovers unite together Within ecstasy of passion shall interlace How then can this love be classed as sin When they know it feels just right within There is none can say that this was wrong When life began love was part of the plan And has been ever since an eternity long For a man was ever borne from a woman.  ----- Pondered Thoughts I think I somehow got lost along the way For everything I do seems to be wrong Maybe it's because I shall never belong Or perhaps it just might not be my day If I was a poet I may have words to say Or even the courage just to sing a song Because my feelings are so very strong But if I grew wings I would fly far away Not that anyone had noticed I'd flown For time and space may be unbeknown Yet maybe some day I shall return anew Given the chance to change my old ways When it is dark new lights shine through Time may be worthy of love and of praise.  ----- Saint Dymphyna Come worthy daughter of the pagan King Weep not for the sins of a worthless man Cast afar thine eyes from his wicked plan Pure you may be as a bird upon the wing To fly free from thy mothers wedded ring Come flee Dymphyna as fast as you can Far away from where his evil deeds began To remain there is no more hope to bring Be not heartbroken by his wicked deed Within future history he may not succeed But the time and the date was unknown Lost within the space of ancient history And so fragile was her remains as shown For all there was left shall be no mystery.  ----- She Who Arose She arose from the depth an earthen floor From silence of a tomb that bore no words Midst the damp mist upon the call of birds The fall of dying bough's shall encore As tears within her eyes sap shall ever pour now For all she was shall remain again outward Yet in time shall past memories reward May she ever again feel love and explore The passion she once beheld in her heart That upon the end of her season fell apart Yet returns once more as in times of past An image destiny had provided too late Her life was now just a withered recast With not a memory of her previous fate.  Tree of Life Darkness surrounds the great tree of life Yet warmth of nature's shining through Shades of autumn shall but misconstrue Of radiant jewels that bear not of strife No need to prune by an untimely knife That may mar the shades of natures hue No such disaster within seasons review Nor cruelty of storms that shareth rife Shall hide an obscure tree from the sun There shall be no remedy not even one To procure the destiny of a living tree Tis only nature that may stay on course That may nurture all that beauty shall be Within the presence of a natural source.  ----- Tumbleweed and Sons Old TwisterTumbleweeds running amok Within highest of winds he cannot stop Circling faster than an old spinning top His heart it was ticking loud like a clock Not in his power to slow down and walk He had to watch out for the farmers crop His breath was down to the very last drop So much so that he never did dare to talk Wild winds had left him tattered and torn Though his saplings thrived midst the corn And tumble weeds grew as strong and tall To fight the strong winds of eternal power Which echos finally from flower to bower WhenTwisterTumbleweeds off springs call.  back to list |
Lorainne DafneyBlank paper its time for you and I to color the empty with words of beauty as I begin this task I cry For many reasons I know not why I feel this need to be pithy knowing it is my duty to give thoughts that are frail and shy New wings to travel and explore and gently open each closed door for it is better to try to write than not at all and answer ones inner call to be free to fly back to list |
Kevin McKinneyIt's easy to compare love to a rose; The delicate and dangerous cliche's; Emerging and yet rooted in its ways; The darling bud that every sophomore knows; The haute couture of all of nature's clothes; Enjoying care and loving sunny days; Surviving, even thriving cutting blades, As season after season the heart grows. And then I'd have to write myself the bee Whose fascination I did not foresee; As yours became my garden to attend, Sweetly. Marking your tendency toward light, And hopefully, remaining in your sight, I'll come to see which way the vine will bend. ----- Eleventh Hour Reprieve Why lingers this interminable hour, While all the rest have elapsed with such speed; And all that we have sown has gone to seed? Why crane our necks toward ivory towers To beg for wisdom from higher powers; When yet, in fact, we have within our sights The dream potential of ten thousand nights, And our hearts could bloom like lotus flowers? We carry burdens never meant to be So heavy to prevent us being free, Nor weigh us down with guilt and shame. Instead, We ought just use the eyes we have to see, That we restrain ourselves; we hold the key; And we decide the path on which we tread! ----- Tight Tribute I'd like to buy the house one more wee drop Before the time runs on the current task; So far, it's done far more than I could ask In helping irrigate the current crop. I must confess, I don't expect to stop Siphoning words from inside oaken casks And pouring liquid gold into my flask For further use, two fingers from the top. It's served quite well to lubricate the gears And loosen parts that had been stuck for years. Yes, I am more full than I predicted, And as I live, I never sip alone; Drinks around, and happily addicted, Tonight we sing, tomorrow we atone! back to list |
Peggy NelsonOh, woa is me, practicing doctors with stupidity Never in all my life have I been so pulled apart Their Stupidity has drained my hopeful heart Precisely what happened to their so called ability? Appalled I be at them; their comments are not advisability I've never been without caring doctors, these just think of money Nurses fighting over who is the primary insurance, ain't that funny I just need help in the relief of pain, and need some acceptability Purrhaps, Friday I'll straighten these lam-brain nurses out And this up coming week, I can pick myself up and joyously shout Purraying I'll have strength to write several more appeals, I've been laying on the floor day and night, tears like a water spout Maybe I can write more and turn them over to an attorney with clout I've lost weight caused from pain stricking when eating meals back to list |
XXXXXXXXXXZZZZZZZZZZZ ----- YYYYYYYYYY ZZZZZZZZZZZ ----- YYYYYYYYYY ZZZZZZZZZZZ back to list |
Leny RooversI'm resting deep within myself, I sit And feel my breath fill lungs and chest. This living silence, wherein I feel blessed A pause in which I watch my soul admit. In breathing out I relax to permit Precious moments as quietude's bequest. Mind and body to this glorious rest Less thoughts interfere, with joy I commit. Awareness is heightened in mind's retreat As inner space widens I feel complete. Inhaling fresh air I feel my chest rise, Peace enters my senses at each repeat. In this moment of now, no thoughts compete; I am in Your presence without disguise.  ----- Miserere mei I look at myself and look at the world, Watch other people who are just like me; Beyond our different outsides I see inside we're alike, truth slowly unfurled. As days pass so quickly, life's in a swirl, When thoughts crowd my mind, I'm no longer free, In turning within, I lay down my plea. My heart starts to listen, opens, uncurls; In silence peace grows, then gently enfolds My soul with light - it no longer withholds. Within newfound space I know I exist, I have found myself, come back from the cold. I've called out to You, Your mercy untold. Miserere mei, Deus, assist.  ----- Sanctuary I close my eyes and watch the world recede My mind a lake in which no stones are thrown. In meditation, sitting at thy throne I rest between each breath, surrender, freed. My sanctuary inside I care to heed, In this safe place I know I can atone, Let go old hurt and worries- I am known; Your healing silence gives me all I need. This time within is to meant to share with thee, Here, in thy presence I am offered lee. My heart rejoices when I feel your force, You are my anchor, my guide and light As contemplation leads me to my source My soul is unburdened, filled with delight.  back to list |
Divina and TerryWhen meadows green turn to fields of gold 'Tis then the harvest of autumn shall yield Back to the soil where all is concealed From earths nutrients as past days of old Within previous seasons had been told Blanketed by the future winds to shield Within future times shall be revealed For all that had been may surely unfold Within future growth that shall befall This harvest shall be one to nurture all Autumn returns within a quarter season Within mother of natures blessed call When the acorns and the chestnuts fall To yield once more for a future reason.  ----- Winter..The time of rest All plants are bare no longer their best As the bulbs and seed await natures will In the earth the future is asleep and still Because now it is the time for all to rest. Some birds have flown to a warmer nest For a while we'll no longer hear their trill In their wisdom gone to avoid the chill But with spring we will again be blessed. The kernels of life must lie there complete On call awaiting natures Nature's beat. All other forms of life are dormant also The earth's energy needs to recharge. Fields lie fallow but soon they'll grow For now only sleep will aid the charge.  ----- Old Ways Of Spring Come gather the blossom that blooms in may That shall be strewn across the scullery floor So fresh with fragrance upon the open moor Cast ye fresh herbs upon this fine spring day Shall cast a spell that may send spirits away Thus was the beliefs of the simple and poor They simply swept the herbs out of the door Strewn with a tiny proportion from hay When evil spirits be gone earth shall be calm Spring may be free of ague with herbal balm To shed properties that heals one and all Though natural wisdom of a herbal charm Throughout the seasons has done no harm 'Tis now the old ways within time may call.  ----- Summer....The time of life This time in life is always natures own Full of splendour as new life abounds See how a lamb around the field bounds The time for everything that's grown. And grateful to life for all that is known New fruits are lush on all the grounds Flowers spring up, all over beauty abounds Soon ready for gathering all that's sown. A time of life knowing all of it's worth, A time of beauty that welcomes all birth. There is nought to cause misery's frown Most people realise that they are blessed Everywhere is coated in a green gown As all life around is growing with zest.  back to list |
Leny and TerryThe clock goes forward in a week or two, Announcing Spring, the end of ice and snow When warming sun invites all plants to grow; Already crocuses appear on cue. Above, the sky is dressed in pale light blue, Adorned with cloudy ribbons in white rows. Sun sends her golden beams to all below, Her touch is calling plants awake, break through. The wheels of time move on, Spring's on her way with snowbells' bobbing heads in bright display. My roses show their first red budding leaves As flocks of geese returning pass and call. Under my roof the sparrows crowd the eaves Preparing to build nests, their eggs won't fall.  ----- Time The clocks go back tonight at two Six months now of darker eves From the evening, daylight thieves We'll all be sad when it is through. Those who dislike this are very few, But some would argue who believe In balance, when days start and leave That would cater for just a few. But winter is cold the darkest time In darkness in and out of bed we climb. But on summers eves we happily sit Outdoors and enjoy the warmth A pleasanter time you must admit Than indoors on a winter month. "He who wants to do good knocks at the gate: he who loves finds the door open." - Tagore  back to list |
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