The challenge (Laura Shovan’s 6th Annual February Poetry Project. You can read about it’s past and present incarnation here. This year’s theme is Ekphrastic At Home. Different poets will share a photo of art (any and all kinds of art count) for a daily prompt.) officially began today, and I’m already feeling overwhelmed–but in the best possible way. I’m not sure at this point who made the comment, but I wholeheartedly agree–taking part is like taking a master class in writing poetry. I’m blown away by the poetry I’m reading and the encouragement and support of everyone taking part.
Since it is a practice of poetry, I’ve been pushing myself to try new forms, especially rhyming forms. I am much more used to writing in free verse, but I so admire and enjoy reading rhyming poetry, too. When it’s done well, it looks effortless. Ha! By the time my brain tries to hold on to rhyme and rhythm and meaning, it feels like it’s done the limbo while bending into a pretzel. By the time I post, I can’t even tell if what I’ve written makes any sense or not. I got brave this week and attempted my first sonnet. I’m pretty pleased with my first attempt. Maybe next month, I’ll revisit it and make it even better–or at least see if I still like it then.
A Unicorn Sonnet
(inspired by a quilt in progress by Jessica Bigi)
So if you find a unicorn today,
then you must stop at once to say hello
and ask if she has lost her only way
along the forest paths that come and go.
And if she has the time to stop and chat,
then you might whisper secrets in her ear
like where to find the fairies’ welcome mat
and where the sparkling streams run fast and clear.
Then pick some flowers bright and gay to braid
into a garland round her neck to wear.
Polish her horns and hooves to never fade
so she will know how much you care.
Too bad all such unicorns are rare to find
because they teach us to be more kind.
Each Friday, I am excited to take part in Poetry Friday, where writers share their love of all things poetry. Donna hosts the Poetry Friday Roundup today at Mainely Write! She has a hodgepodge of poetry goodness. Drop by and see what poetry morsels are offered this week.
Oh, I know quite a few girls at my library who would thrill at this poem – unicorns are a perennial favourite on our shelves! 🙂
Thanks, Jane. What’s not to love about unicorns!
You brought a fairy tale to life with this sonnet, Kay! Magical. 🙂
Thanks, Michelle!
Oh if only I could find one of them unicorns here in Singapore. Thank you for that call to kindness. 🙂
Thanks, Myra. Happy seeking for more unicorns everywhere!
Although “such unicorns are rare to find,” thanks for bringing us this lovely one with all it’s magic, fairies and whimsy that it offers!
Thanks, Michelle. The world needs a few more unicorns!
Fun unicorn sonnet!
Thanks, Donna!
Playing around with form can be so much fun. Congratulations on your first sonnet, Kay. I could picture the scene with the unicorn, the forest paths, and the sparkling stream. So glad you’re part of the project.
Thanks, Laura–and thank you for hosting the February challenge. It is an incredible opportunity to learn and to practice poetry.
You rhyme seems effortless, Kay. Good for you for venturing outside your free-form box! I, too, write my poems before I read the others. It’s not easy to get up and dressed, write a poem, eat breakfast, then get to work on time!
Thank you, Diane. I’m impressed you write your poem and get all that done on time! I usually wait until evening.
I loved it when I first saw it, Kay. Unicorns are lovely to write about and you’ve shown that!
Thanks, Linda Yes, unicorns are lovely to write about!
Nicely done, Kay! I’m always amazed at how many different poems can be generated by the same prompt. Sonnets have always eluded me. I think it’s the meter. You’ve inspired me to try again. Happy writing!
Thanks, Catherine. I’ve been blown away by the creativity of all the different poems from a single prompt. I have to write mine before I read any of the rest, though, or I’d be too intimidated to even start.
Woweeee! That is such a tough form to tackle and you’ve done it! You must feel great. The tone of this is so sweet and magical….whispering in her ear, fairies’ door mat, garland of flowers. It makes me think of those lush, romantic painting from England in the 1700s.
Thanks, Linda. I am quite pleased with my effort. I do want to come back to this one for polishing once February is over!
What a fun, conversational voice for your sonnet, Kay – they can easily become too heavy and bogged down! But not this gentle unicorn. (Love the idea of polishing her horn.)
Thanks, Robyn. I have to give credit for the horn polishing to the quilt. The girl looked like she was stretching to polish the horn.
Wonderful, Kay! Your sonnet fills me with delight, cheer and hope.
Thanks, Jama! The world could use some more delight, cheer and hope!
Aww, this is sweet. Congratulations on your first sonnet!
Thanks, Tanita. It was quite a brain twister to try to write.
Oh dear. We definitely need more unicorns, then! Clever you, finding not just a unicorn, but a sonnet, too!
Thanks, Kat. The world would be much better with a few unicorns!