Write a Traditional Sonnet
Poetry Contest
Write a Traditional Sonnet, in Memory of Jarlsbane, aka Michael
A traditional sonnet is a very structured poem with a specific number of lines (14), a specific poetic form of quatrains (three), followed by a couplet (two lines) and a specific rhyming scheme (abab, cdcd, efef, gg). The poem is written in either iambic tetrameter (four feet of da-DUM, da-DUM, da-DUM da-DUM) or five feet of the same beat (DUM is the stressed syllable). It is not a form to be taken lightly but is a delight to write (and read) if one is willing to commit to the structural form. Generally, sonnets are written about love, life or philosophy.
The content is open in this contest. It is my expectation that only the form will honor Michael. Generally, the opening quatrain introduces the content and the final rhyming couplet closes the piece.
The entry is high in this contest because I am looking for serious writers who are willing to tackle the sonnet form correctly for Michael's sake. As an aside, one of the largest time (and soul) commitments I ever made was to enter the Crown of Sonnets contest sponsored by Yeltel (I subsequently also wrote a crown of sonnets on the seven dwarfs because I loved the challenge so much!). Michael also entered this contest and unbeknownst to either of us, we chose the same topic---The Seven Cardinal Sins. He was such a gentleman writing to me after I had posted my piece (many hours and weeks of work) to let me know he was going to be posting a piece on the same subject (also after many hours and weeks of work). I told him I was honored and thrilled and would look forward to reading his piece. Michael's piece, "My Crown in Seven Sins Adorned" received 667 views and 13 exceptional six star reviews, including one from me, and also from the best writers on the site. Both poems are among the Top Poems on the Home Page.
I challenge you to honor him with your entry.
Here is an example, one of Michael's pieces, entitled "Sonnet for St. Valentine," a rather prophetic piece:
Sonnet for St. Valentine
by Jarlsbane (Michael)
I used to rue the day that I was born
So thusly brewed a draught of discontent
A drink to toast the life that I had scorned
And make the most of all my sins repent
I had no wish to find a spark of hope
No silver dish and spoon to feed my soul
No goblet gold to ease my upward slope
In age too old- the worth of love extol
Oft times in truth a plan is never known
And in my youth my sight was all but blind
But now such grace to me is boldly shown
While in your face I see a love so kind
Dear Lord I pray angelic fate be mine
I plead this day you be my valentine.
Finally, Michael taught me a great deal about how to write free verse. However, it was our experience with sonnets I will remember most.
The contest winner will win half of the prize pool of 180.00 member dollars. In this contest at least 2 submissions must be made for the vote to begin.
Deadline: Contest is closed. Deadline was Monday, July 26, 2010.
Full Contest Listing
A traditional sonnet is a very structured poem with a specific number of lines (14), a specific poetic form of quatrains (three), followed by a couplet (two lines) and a specific rhyming scheme (abab, cdcd, efef, gg). The poem is written in either iambic tetrameter (four feet of da-DUM, da-DUM, da-DUM da-DUM) or five feet of the same beat (DUM is the stressed syllable). It is not a form to be taken lightly but is a delight to write (and read) if one is willing to commit to the structural form. Generally, sonnets are written about love, life or philosophy.
The content is open in this contest. It is my expectation that only the form will honor Michael. Generally, the opening quatrain introduces the content and the final rhyming couplet closes the piece.
The entry is high in this contest because I am looking for serious writers who are willing to tackle the sonnet form correctly for Michael's sake. As an aside, one of the largest time (and soul) commitments I ever made was to enter the Crown of Sonnets contest sponsored by Yeltel (I subsequently also wrote a crown of sonnets on the seven dwarfs because I loved the challenge so much!). Michael also entered this contest and unbeknownst to either of us, we chose the same topic---The Seven Cardinal Sins. He was such a gentleman writing to me after I had posted my piece (many hours and weeks of work) to let me know he was going to be posting a piece on the same subject (also after many hours and weeks of work). I told him I was honored and thrilled and would look forward to reading his piece. Michael's piece, "My Crown in Seven Sins Adorned" received 667 views and 13 exceptional six star reviews, including one from me, and also from the best writers on the site. Both poems are among the Top Poems on the Home Page.
I challenge you to honor him with your entry.
Here is an example, one of Michael's pieces, entitled "Sonnet for St. Valentine," a rather prophetic piece:
Sonnet for St. Valentine
by Jarlsbane (Michael)
I used to rue the day that I was born
So thusly brewed a draught of discontent
A drink to toast the life that I had scorned
And make the most of all my sins repent
I had no wish to find a spark of hope
No silver dish and spoon to feed my soul
No goblet gold to ease my upward slope
In age too old- the worth of love extol
Oft times in truth a plan is never known
And in my youth my sight was all but blind
But now such grace to me is boldly shown
While in your face I see a love so kind
Dear Lord I pray angelic fate be mine
I plead this day you be my valentine.
Finally, Michael taught me a great deal about how to write free verse. However, it was our experience with sonnets I will remember most.
The contest winner will win half of the prize pool of 180.00 member dollars. In this contest at least 2 submissions must be made for the vote to begin.
Deadline: Contest is closed. Deadline was Monday, July 26, 2010.
