Thursday, November 6, 2008

Pensieve's Poetic License #11 - English Sonnet - Masked

Please click HERE for Karina's Alphabet Soup.




This months PPL theme is "Masked" and the form is an English Sonnet. To be honest, when I saw the theme and form, I wasn't really sure I'd be playing along. I always hated Shakespearan sonnets because they seemed too damn constricting with the iambic pentameter and all that crap. I think it mostly had to do with the fact that my 9th grade english teacher was evil, and turned me off the form due to her evilness, but there you have it.

Yet, I decided to tackle it anyway, and even managed to stay within the "10 syllable perline" rule. Here's my entry:

Dark Alley

Though I walk on without trepidation
Head held high, as I look you in the eye
Firm steps, so sure of my destination
Never hesitating as I walk by

Though I stand tall, and with my shoulders squared
My strides determined, not afraid at all
Confidence apparent, never look scared
My very presence anything but small

Though I smile widely, grin ear to ear
Give off warmth, welcome, a friendly hello
Make it seem as if I’ve nothing to fear
Inside is the truth that only I know

You frighten me more than words can express
And just walking by? A major success.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Hmm...for other entries, visit Pensieve's. Also, today is month TWO of Karina's Alphabet Soup, I'd love it if you joined in...please click here to find out more and see my entry for the letter "B".

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ah, Karina...I can see and sense this! Well done :). You did a better job than me w/syllable count, I couldn't seem to hit 9, 10 or 11 very often :/.

Anyways, GLAD you were able to join in. Your sonnet reads so smoothly, it sounds like it poured right off your fingers!

Stephanie Wetzel said...

This is so fluid, even with the 10 syllable restriction. I love how it paints a picture but leaves some questions unanswered.

a Tonggu Momma said...

Great imagery... and I am very impressed with the fluidity. I struggled mightily with the iambic pentameter - gave up half-way through. LOL.

Anonymous said...

Aiyaiyai - gives me the chills just thinking about that dark alley. I think your sonnet was perfect!

Pamela said...

nice iambics (:


wv: iredis

as in iredis and enjodis very much.

Anonymous said...

Oh, yes, very nice! It reads so easily. I think we've all been there, putting on the brave face (but not really feeling it inside!)