My Sonnet-writing History – Non Entry.
My late poetic cousin challenged me
some years ago, in conversation on it,
to tackle what he thought most finicky
of all the lyric forms to write: the sonnet.
I studied Shakespeare’s sonnets avidly
and those of Petrarch, Spenser, Gray and Milton.
The Italian style to English seemed to me,
much like comparing Cheddar cheese with Stilton.
At last I thought I’d learned enough to know
the basic elements which form Sonnetto core.
Though Tony died, I thought to have a go
and, since, have written several hundred more.
Though not as hard to write as I’d expected,
a lot of mine still need to be corrected.
Hugh Wyles, March 20th.2009.
Author notes
I am especially thrilled with those of my favourites who have attempted their first sonnet-essay for this contest and have created such very fine entries.
Thankyou very much.
In a list
A contest entry
- A Royal Sonnet Contest. ONLY FOR MEMBERS of HUGH WYLES’ FAVOURITES’ GROUP. by hugh wyles.
850 points, ended March 31, 12 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
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There is always someone who prompts us, encourages us to grab for a gold ring like your cousin did with you. You are that person in a way to some of your favourites like me, who still has much to learn of the form.
I did try and actually have another attempt sitting in Word not yet posted. I will continue to make my attempts until the lightbulb finally pops on over my head
Thank you King Hugh.
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Dear Pix-ie-stix,
As Robbie Bruce (or Burns?) said of the spider in his den:
"Nay fash yersel' nor e'er gie up! Jes' try,try,try agen!
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We are indebted to Tony for his prod to make you write sonnets. You have become a mentor to many and the originator of the Wyleian corpus, which is a body of work crying to be published.
Thank you Hugh, for your care and attention of so many poets.
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I keep thinking I'll give it a try, too, Hugh. I feel kind of intimidated by the lovely Sonnets entered so far, though.
Your tale of determination offers some hope for me, though.
Dee
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A curtsey for the King.
Yes, you made me do it
(re your author note).
I commend you for your dilligence,
your studying, your re-writing.
But, oh, the satisfaction
of a craft transformed to art!
Applause, applause for you.
M-C
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Dear Hugh,
You've come a long way since you were a young lad and now you don't have to throw any away.
You've progressed to writing magnificent Sonnets over the years and I'm proud to say that you also taught me how to, though I am still learning to master the meter.
I for one as a friend am very proud of your achievements and I'm sure there will be many more that will learn from your teaching.
Love Bea
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