Aussie Readers discussion

Here is the link to all of Shakespeares sonnets if anyone is interested.



http://www.shakespeares-sonnets.com/s...

Our public library had a sonnet writing competition early this year and I had a go, as they had some document which suggested that everyone should write a sonnet at least once in their life. Man that was difficult, and of course I did not win, but did get invited to the ceremony where they announced the winner which was accomapnied by food and wine, and I can cross that off of my list of thngs to do, and I have a deep appreciation of Shakespeares efforts!

Yes, Dee-Anne they're not easy, I was introduced to sonnets when I entered a comp last November, I never knew what a sonnet was until then, I also did not win, but, had a number of people say how much they enjoyed my "Shakespearean" sonnet. here it is for you to read.

The pauper’s friend

Now thou hast mingled with the noble class
but they’d not see in life that I do see,
they hold their feasts', drink from their purest glass,
in finest mansions built beside the sea.
See not the homeless begging on the street,
nor in dark laneways, wet with cold they die.
See not the children sick or with bare feet,
nor for the measly scraps thrown out they vie.
If I could forward through the frames of time
to lands afar unheard of now by thee,
would not thine eyes view pestilence and crime,
would still there be fine mansions by the sea.
Where still are those who sleep in laneways cold,
where nobles, whom for wealth their souls they’ve sold.

David J Delaney.
17/11/2009 ©

That is really good. I too had to google 'sonnets' to find out what they were, and even then it was tricky in that there were different types and lingo related to them.

How long did it take you to write your sonnet?

Th 'Pauper's Friend' took about 10 minutes to write, but about a day to refine it, I have written 6 now, & 1 from this lot is a Petrarchan sonnet, below.

Sonnet no. 6.



Visions of love lost

My arms outstretched again my dearest love,
I’m watching as your dress glides on the grass,
Your vibrant beauty no one can surpass,
with fragrant skin as soft as Turtle doves.
You lift the bonnet from your hair of red,
then hand in hand we kiss beneath the Yew,
your angel voice speaks of arrangements new,
for soon, as wife you’ll share my modest bed.
Your tears of fear they stain your perfect face,
though, to this fight we knew I had to go,
we tremble as we hold each other tight.
Your visions fade now from this barren place,
your loved betrothed dies in cold Russian snow
as Bonaparte, retreats with closing night.

David J Delaney
06/01/2010 ©

Another good one ... it took me weeks to write one, when I had a go, and I dread to look at it now as I suspect it is very amateurish, especially compared with yours.

I just googled Petrarchan. It is very structured and logical, which is what I ended up liking about sonnets ... sort of like a well developed argument with rythm!