Poet’s Podium 
by James E. Tate

Sonnets

There are a number of sonnet styles from which to choose. Some poets love sonnets and practice them regularly. The knowledgeable sonnet writer may be disappointed in my examples below, in that I did not try to make them iambic—short on time at the writing. Personally, I have found sonnets to be quite useful for telling a story, examining a position, and portraying subject thoughts. If you are not familiar with sonnets, toy with them and perhaps you too will learn to respect the sonnet. I have shown the format at the beginning of the poems.

Jacob Wore a Sonnet
Shakespearian sonnet—14 lines, pentameter—10 syllables per line,
three quatrains and a couplet, in these rhyme schemes—abab cdcd efef gg

He slept on a pillow of stone that night
For sly young Jacob deceived his brother
Esau plotted to kill, so Jacob took flight
With the help of Rebekah his mother.

Beautiful Rachel he met at a well
Then came Laban, her conniving father
Seven years work and his countenance fell
For a substitute wife, just don’t bother

In twenty years he was a wealthy man
Fourteen years for wives, six more for cattle.
Toward home on camels, long travel began,
With perils of fear that Esau would battle.

So he divided his flock in two bands
Gave gifts to his brother . . . and they shook hands.

See Genesis, chapters 24 to 31

A Prayer for Friends

Spenserian with interlocking rhymes, abab bcbc cdcd ee,
pentameter—10 syllables per line
Father, bless my friends reading this right now
Minister to their spirit, give them peace,

Where there is pain, give them wellness somehow,
Where there is exhaustion give them release.
Present to them your love that fears may cease,
With understanding and vision revealed.

For healing, give them faith without a fleece,
In place of self-doubt make your presence real.
Instead of evil, let your Spirit thrill.
Supply all their needs, let them abound.

Give them discernment to perform your will.
May calmness be on them and grace be found.
Keep my friends from wrong as your Spirit reigns.
Now, we ask these things in Jesus’ name.

Salvation

Petrarchan octave in abbaabba and Italian sestet in cdcdcd,
tetrameter—8 syllables per line.
Note that a rhyme scheme variation of cdecde may be used for the sestet.

God’s my rock, my sword and my shield
He’s my strength in time of trouble
Gold rather than wood or stubble
Guilt is gone, my past sins are nil.
My heart is light, my soul is thrilled
He lifted me from the puddle
I’m not crushed with thoughts to muddle
Springs give cool water in the field.

Those who love evil hate the light
They drink the vine of violence
Cursing what God has made upright
With no thought of benevolence
But, turning from their sinful flight
May be redeemed through repentance.

See John 3:20, Proverbs 4:17, Ecclesiastes 7:29

Our long-time friend John Evans of Jacksonville, Florida, retired last year from writing the 
Spotlight articles. We miss him very much. Look at his exhortation and wisdom on sonnets, 
and his humble way shining through the introductory remarks below.

“Though I haven't asked that one of David John's Shakespearean sonnets be posted for this article, I want to encourage you, our poetic friends one and all, to try your hand at this type of poetic expression. Study our English poet's excellent works for inspiration, and then give it a go yourself; I believe you too will like it. I hadn't been brave enough to get involved in this genre until I began to enjoy the brother's work, but since then I've become a real fan--sophmoric by comparison though my efforts at it may be! The Shakespearean sonnet is made up of a total of fourteen lines (always) and follows a pattern of ababcdcdefefgg. Religiously one must adhere to the five iambic feet per line through twelve lines, and then--that which I like especially--the sonnet concludes with a couplet, two rhyming lines of five iambs each again. The couplet clinches the thought or theme of the poem. I said above that I would not use one of Poet John's sonnets, but I will use one of my own attempts here, for which, again, I give my dear brother credit for inspiring. I hope you'll be able to discern the salient features of this type of poetry reflected in my simple effort...”

Enraptured

Is this that "Death" which I so feared to see,
That which I'd hoped Sweet Rapture would forestall?
'Tis true, though seen as Jesus said 'twould be:
"Our Vict'ry,” shared together, at His call.
Unknown delights not sensed where eagles soar
Are mine so freely now in fluid flights.
I see the sights unsung in earthly lore,
All pain now past of mortals' tear-stained nights.
I thrill where body ills can harm no more,
Where hurtful words can nevermore benumb.
I raise my praise to Him Whom I adore
While strumming strings the blest of God do strum.
Enraptured that with Christ I've tasted "Death,"
I joy with Jesus, breathing Heaven's breath.

—John Evans

Thank you, John, for sharing this delightful sonnet with us.

One writer said that sonnets were not adaptable for funny matter. The jury is out on that. I will watch 
for opportunities to add humor in future sonnets. You may find helpful information on the Internet under 
Poetry Types. Click on Shadow Poetry. Now, blessings to you as go out and write sonnets for God’s kingdom.