This week’s prompt for the 100 Word Challenge for Grown-Ups was to write a sonnet, in recognition of arguably the most famous sonneteer in history, William Shakespeare. The specifics of the prompt are as follows:
Your mission, should you wish to take it up, is a BIG one. We are going to celebrate the Bard by writing sonnets! I can see some frowns! Don’t worry it will stretch your creativity.
- You MUST write 14 lines (this is the minimum)
- You can use 10 syllables per line (choice)
- You could use the following rhythm – a-b-a-b, c-d-c-d, e-f-e-f, g-g. (choice)
So, the least you have to do is write 14 lines. Limit is around 100 words. You may need to go over slightly if you choose to do 2 and 3. The topic is of your choice but of course if you fancy including George and that dragon he is supposed to have slayed then feel free!
Writing my Fearless protagonists, I’ve decided that I can’t turn down a challenge when it arises, either. So, here is my offering:
“Daddy and the Dragon”
Image courtesy of the Royal Society of St. George
http://www.royalsocietyofstgeorge.com/stgeorge.htmAtop the sofa, clad in argent satin,
St. George and sword rise tall and full of might
To face the horrid, furious dragon,
And keep all tiny children safe at night.One cheers, one gasps, as Mummy tells the tale
Of fabled times and ancient beasts most foul,
While Daddy swings the sword and clashes mail,
To play St. George and make the dragon howl.But with a whoosh! and whack!, he seems to fall,
And both girls cry for his recovery.
So Mummy urges help, however small,
With clap and laughter, bringing victory.Then kisses come; the toys are put away.
But George and beast will fight another day.
…So, a poet I’m not. 🙂 Still, this was a fun exercise.
It’s been ages since I’ve tried anything within such a confining structure as iambic pentameter. I did cheat a bit, as you can see, but I wanted to tell a story, rather than just writing a love sonnet. (Besides, no one will ever be as successful at the love sonnet as William Shakespeare. Or Kermit the Frog.)
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT1p3KyaW-I&w=420&h=315]
As a lovestruck young woman, I tried to write poetry, of course, as most teenagers do. But it just wasn’t happening. The product of those candlelit writing sessions is the main reason why I long ago gave up on being a poet of any kind.
I went back and forth on what I wanted to write for this subject…but, as usually happens, my initial idea is the one that ended up working best. You may not agree (I didn’t say it was a great effort, just my personal best). But, no one can fault me for being a little bit fearless.
You say you’re not a poet – if that’s the case you disguise it well! This was brilliant. I love the idea of George and the Dragon as a game played between daddy and daughters.
This is lovely and full of charm. What a great story.
Thanks for the kind words, sjb! Though this one took quite a bit of crossing out, on my part. 🙂 Still, I enjoyed playing with the format, scheme, and meter. Plus, my Songbirds really wanted a chance to play with their girls. 😀
Thank you, Lisa!
I often find the rules of poetry difficult to incorporate in my own work. (Reviewing Shakespeare’s “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” sonnet was boggling to sort out how he managed such wordplay!) But this one was a nice stretch beyond boundaries. Glad you enjoyed it!
well I think you’re a poet. I’m guessing you have young children who will grow up to love your stories
This was really sweet. A novel take on the theme and I enjoyed it. Thank you.
I’m glad it was a fun exercise for you, because it’s a fun poem. It sounds classic.
Thank you for the kind words, Sandra. My girls are sadly outgrowing this…but it’s always a joy to remember in my writing. 🙂
Thanks very much, Sandra! I always enjoy looking at these themes from a slightly skewed angle. 😀
Thank you, Sparks! St. George is one of my favorite stories, and I’m glad that it was both fun to read and write. 🙂
It gave me a picture of a happy nursery with children on the edge of their seats listening to the adventure. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Hope to challenge you again soon!
Brave you, well done. I wimped out of this one this week as I’m no poet, but good to see you give it your best so successfully!
Thank you, Julia! That’s exactly the feeling I was going for. 🙂
Thanks, Sally!
I didn’t think I’d be able to do the sonnet challenge, either, but (somehow) I got it to work. (Though I did cheat with the rhythm, I must admit!)