Write a Shakespearean Sonnet
Poetry Contest
The sonnet form used by Shakespeare, composed of three quatrains and a couplet in iambic pentameter with the rhyme pattern abab cdcd efef gg. Also called Elizabethan sonnet or English sonnet.
Iambic pentameter:
A foot is an iamb if it consists of one unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, so the word "remark" is an iamb. Pent means five, so a line of iambic pentameter consists of five iambs - five sets of unstressed syllables followed by stressed syllables.
One of the greatest sonnet writers on this site, Steve (kiwisteveh) graciously gave his consent to use his sonnet "Come, Woodsman" as an example. It won FanStory's site sonnet contest once. This is the best sonnet I have ever read and I am honored to introduce it to you all. Steve's sonnets always make me feel like a pupil.
A sapling rooted deep in fertile ground
You grew with youthful vigour, proud and tall,
The green life coursing strong through veins unbound
By whisp'ring doubt or fear of future fall.
Unbent by countless raging storms, full-grown,
With outspread arms you offered pleasing shade.
From life's harsh blows you sheltered those o'erthrown
And neath your branches strong, a haven made.
But every Summer ends in Autumn's tears,
The crumpled leaf, the gnarled and twisted bark.
In vain you fought the passage of the years
That stole your sap and crushed life's vital spark.
Poor hollowed trunk where once you stood sublime;
"Come, Woodsman, swing your axe. It's time. It's time"
The contest winner will win half of the prize pool of 90.00 member dollars. In this contest at least 2 submissions must be made for the vote to begin.
Deadline: Contest is closed. Deadline was Monday, June 27, 2016.
