The Craft [revised 10 Aug 2010], English Sonnet Options

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Revision 2 - 11/8/10

The Craft

Our spoken rhythms form the template phase
which poets redefine in measured time
to mimic conversation's turns of phrase
yet meet the strict conditions made by rhyme.
Once metre has been mastered language calls,
seducing us with sound-born melody;
repeated vowels brick the aural walls,
while consonance cements the prosody.
Apprentice years will teach the bard his art,
set exercises hone the poet’s pen;
improvements, made and measured from the start,
lead learners up to craftsmanship and then,
to challenge preconception’s barren wastes,
push poetry beyond established tastes.

line 4 amended 12/8/10.

Revision 1 - 29/7/10[/u]

The Craft

Our spoken rhythms form the template phase
which poets redefine in measured time
to mimic conversation's turns of phrase
yet meet the strict requirements of rhyme.
Once metre has been mastered, language calls
and bids us mark her sounds as melody;
repeated vowels brick the aural walls,
strung consonants cement the prosody.
Apprentice years will teach the bard his art,
set exercises hone the poet’s pen;
improvements, made and measured from the start,
lead learners up to craftsmanship and then,
to challenge preconception’s barren wastes,
push poetry beyond established tastes.


The Craft- Original

Our spoken rhythms form the template’s base
that poets rearrange in measured lines
to make a match with normal turns of phrase
yet meet the strict requirements of rhyme.
Once metre has been mastered, language calls
and bids us set her sounds as melody;
repeated vowels harmonise the whole
while staggered consonants add symmetry.
Apprentice years will teach the bard his art,
set exercises hone the poet’s pen;
improvements, made and measured from the start,
lead learners up to craftsmanship and then,
to challenge preconception’s barren wastes,
push poetry beyond established tastes.

[Larry]

Hi Jim,

Very nice sonnet on how one should perfect their poetry writing techniques. Inciteful, an enjoyable read and instructional all at the same time. Loved it. Utilizing the sonnet in this way speaks volumes about how versatile this form can be and brings to mind Wordsworth's "Nuns Fret Not..." when he writes: 'twas pastime to be found within the sonnet's scanty plot of ground

No nits... just a question. I keep reading 4 1/2 feet in L4. Are you perhaps a syl short in L4 or is this another pronunciation difference between British and American speech. The only multisyllabic word in that line being "requirements" contains three syls on this side of the pond. Suggest "prerequisite" as a sub if it is indeed short or you can just add an "a" before rhyme. TOT!

yet meet/ the strict/ require/ments of/ rhyme

Larry