Summary

The website content is a personal essay detailing the author's attempt at writing a sonnet, reflecting themes of self-love, hope, and unity among humanity, inspired by Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 and prompted by a weekly writing challenge.

Abstract

The author of the web content, Bella of Thoughtsnlifeblog, shares her first attempt at writing a sonnet. The poem, titled "I Would Love You As Myself," is a response to a writing prompt from The Poetry Playground publication. It explores the concept of self-love as a foundation for loving others, drawing parallels between personal growth and the blooming of spring. Despite the challenges of adhering to the traditional Shakespearean sonnet structure, including the iambic pentameter and the rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, the author finds the process rewarding. The sonnet itself touches on the contrast between the beauty of spring and the despair of human conflict, ultimately conveying a message of universal love and equality. The author acknowledges the difficulty of the task and expresses a desire for feedback to improve her craft. She also provides historical context about sonnets and includes a song that resonates with the poem's theme of unity.

Opinions

The author views the act of writing a sonnet as an exercise in self-improvement and creative expression.
There is a sense of humility and openness to learning, as the author admits to the sonnet's imperfections and seeks constructive feedback.
The author believes in the power of poetry to capture complex emotions and convey profound messages about human connections.
She expresses a philosophical stance that love for oneself is inseparable from love for others, advocating for a world where every life is valued equally.
The author seems to hold the view that art, particularly poetry, can serve as a beacon of hope and a call to action for societal change.
There is an underlying optimism that despite the current state of global affairs, humanity can overcome its differences and prevail through acts of pure love and understanding.

I Would Love You As Myself

First Attempt At A Sonnet

If I were to love, I would love myself. Not arrogantly; no, self-love, it’s called. Wintery days now turn into spring wells. Daffodils and Tulips bloom; do applaud.

There is hope in the air; do not despair. Spring’s bouquet has sprung; bountiful colour. Let go, the betrodden; set to repair. Life blooms, snowdrops dance, awaiting Summer.

Wars all around, bells of despair and cries. A world of onlookers that seems handcuffed Unable to persuade the other side. Invisible desires, see ego puffed.

Stranger, dear, I would love you as myself. My sibling, humanity will prevail.

This is supposed to be a Sonnet (my first ever), and it is in response to Weekly Prompt #14 from The Poetry Playground publication.

The Prompt gave tips on what a sonnet is and examples to help first-timers write one. I, of course, read these and searched on Google.

My Approach To the Sonnet

I attempted to follow Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, which I found here. I know mine is a hot mess. I tried to improve it, but it got worse.

I attempted to follow the rhyming beat of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG and the iambic pentameter of ten syllables per line.

Additionally, I tried.

The ‘Volta’ of a Shakespearean sonnet is a turn of thought, usually about two-thirds of the way through the poem, where the speaker breaks from the original impulse of the poem and expresses a shift of mood or an advancement of a mini story. — Source Google Art & Culture.

The Tools I Used To Help Me

The Prompt and related posts suggested in the prompt — click here
Google Arts — Click Here — for more information.
A Syllable Counter — Click Here

How Did I Find Writing a Sonnet?

I was pleased with it on the first attempt. It was fun to try, but it was not easy for me. This was quite tough.

I still classify myself as a wannabe writer/poet.

I would love to hear your feedback on how I could improve this and where I went wrong. I know I have, but I am not bothered because I won’t grow if I don’t try.

History About Sonnets

The Google Arts website states that Shakespeare started writing sonnets because he could not run plays due to the plague, closing theatres in London.

What is the Sonnet About?

I hope you can figure out what I am trying to say in it.

In the simplest form, the message is, if I love myself, then I love you as my sister and brother (my sibling).

Spring brings hope—the hope of newness and pure love for my fellow human beings—a return to humanity, to the core of what humanity is.

Of course, there is despair as we watch humanity fail. Greed, ego, and some agenda that leaves a wake of pain whilst justice is blindfolded; who can understand?

Ultimately, this sonnet is about loving every human being regardless of differences. What I want for my life, I want for your life. My life is not greater than yours.

“We are one family, sisters and brothers, a coat of many colours.” — The song lyrics are as follows; see the video below.