You might have heard that over on Whispers and Echoes, we currently have a very special open call: Sorta-Sonnets from Guest Editor, Bartholomew Barker.
The call has been open for a few weeks now (and closes on the 24th June 2022), and since then I’ve been wondering if I am able to write one. Those who have been here a while will know I do try and write some poetry, mainly free verse, sometimes haikus. And I have been lucky enough to have had some of my poetry published. However, I have never in my life written a sonnet. But can I write a sorta-sonnet?
I’m going to try.
Bartholomew Barker explained in the submissions call post what the rules are for a sorta-sonnet:
- 14 line poem
- under 100 words
- no rhyme
Nice. Simple. Clear instructions. And best of all, there’s no need to get to grips with a particular meter and rhyming scheme. It sounds do-able…
So here’s my first attempt at a sorta-sonnet:
These Words
I craft worlds out of words That only exist in my head These words build cities and Grow gardens, make history as Well as bake cakes These words that create Transform into people, with Thoughts and actions all their own And so my words become theirs Or is it the other way around? These words...their voices My craft...their art My daydreams...their adventures All inside my head
Sammi Cox 