Spenserian Sonnet - "Retirement"
Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2021 8:00 am
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.
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.