"How the wilde and sauage people used a naturall Poesie in versicle and rime as our vulgar is"

[bouteillebleu]

I swear I read that as "wilde and sausage people" the first time. From a chapter title in The Arte of English Poesie, which I haven't read yet but now want to. :)

Anyway, this week seems to be one of those times I'm productive at everything except actual work. So here is a somewhat irreverent Maelstrom-themed sonnet. I think this counts as Spenserian (abab bcbc cdcd ee) although I've cheated with the c rhymes somewhat.

Uphold the written law as best you can
Perfect it more, that others may obey
Let law and learning guide your judgement's span
And find what failed if they turn you astray

Your feelings and opinions of today
Should be examined, lest they lead you wrong
And learn to guide your own and others' way
To keep your faith both well-informed and strong

Leave order in the world when you are gone
Exceeding what there was when you first came
And when it comes and your soul passes on
And He, resplendent, calls for you by Name

Then know what you were taught in youth is true;
The Teacher loves you, and your mother too.

---

I've finally come up with another character concept to follow the current one, and one of the things I'd like to do with it is poetry and song; as with many things, practice will help.

Comments

[bouteillebleu.livejournal.com]

It turned out to be less naughty than I'd hoped (I started with the last line). Also I suspect I can't do this on quick timescales. But it's fun. :)

[stephenpthomas.livejournal.com]

I read it that way at first sight too.

[rjw76]

I like this :D