ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Morning All! In my meanderings through reference sites about poetry I came across this fascinating variation on the traditional sonnet form. It was invented by Edmund Spenser, a contemporary of Shakespeare, and is named after him. Here is the definition:

A single verse poem of 14 lines, consisting of 3 sets of 4 lines (quatrains) which are interlocked by their rhyme scheme, and finishing with a two-line rhyming couplet. Thus the rhyme pattern is ABAB BCBC CDCD EE, but the poem is displayed without breaks between the lines. It is written in Iambic Pentameter (5 pairs of syllables per line with the stress falling on the second syllable of each pair). Each quatrain develops a metaphor, conflict, idea or question. Traditionally, a shift in thought (known as a volta) occurs with the ninth line of the sonnet. This can be reinforcing the initial idea, or presenting a counter-argument. The final two lines provide a summation and clinch the subject.

Well, after taking some time to get my head around that mouthful, I decided to give it a go. Honest feedback welcome!

RETIREMENT (A Spenserian Sonnet)
(c) Shelley Hansen

The prospect of retirement loomed ahead -
I searched conflicting feelings in my heart
to know if I should celebrate or dread
the change of circumstance about to start.
Then doubt crept in - a tiny poison dart
which told me that my usefulness was past,
suggesting I might struggle with the art
of populating days that flow too fast.
But reason's voice replied, "The die is cast!
The promise of this day has seen you through
the worst of stressful times. It's here at last!
Embrace it with the things you've longed to do!"
So now, content, with heart and mind set free
I spend my days in creativity.

Well I love it - and can relate to the concern expressed and the ultimate ending as well.
Sometimes retirement can hang heavy on our shoulders but I would never envisage that for you and Rod with the many activities and interests you share ... well done

Ah yes, Shelley - this sums up all the thoughts and feelings related to approaching retirement so well and yet is so wonderfully positive. I love it too!

Thank you so much ladies!

Yes, retirement is good for me! Interestingly, Rod has never quite given up - taking on small jobs and wanting to keep his hand in with his painting trade. Now with a local trade labour shortage due to COVID, he is taking on more work (and knocking back even more requests for quotes!)

Cheers
Shelley

Ah yes, well done Shelley! There seems to be many options in the variation of the sonnet forms, and you certainly got your head around that one well.
I went through those retirement mind games myself about Four years ago and I think once you do retire, priority of passionate pursuits becomes the rule of thumb. That is as long as the mainstay of good health allows of course.
Excellent sonnet Shelley, it says it all.
Cheers
Ron

Thanks Ron!

Yes, I'm a firm advocate for creative retirement in as good a state of health as we can muster!

Cheers
Shelley