Tags
Columbus, IndigenousPeople, life, Native American, poem, poetry, USA
Sonnet Sundays: Variations on the Form
A traditional sonnet has 14 lines of 5 iambic feet each. Each iambic foot has 2 syllables for a total of 140 syllables. This form gives the poem a “rectangular” look. But let’s suppose instead that we try a form that is triangular in form. That’s still an underspecified design constraint, but let’s try one that is 14 lines ending in a single two syllable foot. We will start with 28 syllables and each successive line will have two fewer syllables; thus, lines of: 28, 26, 24, etc. ending with 6, 4, 2.
Human auditory memory being what it is, 20 or more syllables is a long time to “wait for” or perceive a rhyme. I may put internal rhymes in some of these lines. Let’s see how it goes.
As for topic, October 10th will be celebrated by some as “Columbus Day” and by others as “Indigenous People’s Day.” That tension seems like a good way to begin.
Columbus sailed the ocean blue in fourteen hundred ninety two; enslaved and killed for profit, fame: The Glory Game.
Columbus knew the world was round; his sense of distance — not profound. He called the natives Indians (so wrong!)
So wrong about so many things — the Europeans of his time; believed a King’s most holy name
Had rights conferred by God Himself alone to do just as they willed so killed with God’s own song.
Enlightenment was yet to come. The ages then were still quite dumb. The Greed for Gold:
A tale of lies and flies and platitudes; of guns and groundless attitudes.
As ages passed, humanity began to see a bolder bold:
To learn what really is and implement beatitudes.
So now we see that wisdom isn’t always white.
And lies corrupt the hearts of all who live.
The path to wealth is paved with light.
To Love just means to give.
Our star above
Says Love.
petersironwood 