I have never studied poetry so I decided to take an online Master Class with Billy Collins , who was the Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001-2003. I like Billy’s poems because they are accessible and often about everyday things. The class is just Billy lecturing in 10-15 minute blocks, which works very well for me since I want a basic overview and am perfectly content to just sit, listen and take notes. In addition to the lectures, there is a downloadable workbook with assignments. Writing a sonnet is one of those assignments. So here is my first attempt at sonnet-writing. I found the process intriguing and somewhat like working a crossword puzzle. I cannot attest to the quality, but the effort was fun.
Here’s to trying new things at any age.
Sonnet 1, however imperfect:
To my husband
That day along the river’s edge we walked
Our future life shining like a pale beam
You bent a knee and begged me not to balk
Your face alive with adventures and schemes
Then, children came and life grew dense and deep
Your mind still filled with hopes and dreams you voiced
Others would have succumbed to fitful sleep
But you refused that soporific choice
How long the shadows grow as we both age
Grandkids fill our home and bring joy to life
Still you have more ideas to fill the page
Marching ahead in step with drum and fife
How our lives still brim as the night draws nigh
Now our shared dreams serve as our battle cry
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