Writing Prompts | Poetry
Poetry Playground Writing Prompt #14
This may not be easy, but it will be worth it
NOTE: Update to submission guidelines — please include ‘Poetry Playground’ as one of your tags.
It is time for another Poetry Playground Prompt! This week we are focusing on a form of poetry. It is one of the most widely known forms of poetry, though it feels mysterious to many. This week I am inviting you to write a sonnet.
What is a sonnet?
A sonnet is a poem that consists of fourteen lines laid out in a clear rhyming pattern and with a set syllable count.
I invite you to write a Shakespearean sonnet, although you could explore a Petrarchan or modern sonnet if you prefer.
Rhyme Scheme
The rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet is:
ABAB CDCD EFEF GG
Rhythm
The rhythm of a Shakespearean sonnet follows ten syllables to a line — known as iambic pentameter. That means there should be ten distinct ‘beats’ to each line.
Esther Spurrill-Jones regularly writes sonnets. Here is a great one:
You can read Esther’s “How to” guide here:
Have a go at yours. I will be submitting one this week too, so I’d love your feedback on that.
More sonnet information can be found here.
Remember, general poetry submissions are always welcome at Poetry Playground.
Welcome to New Writers
This week we have welcomed three new writers: Gerald Washington, Bella of Thoughtsnlifeblog, Author, D. Denise Dianaty. We are delighted you’ve joined us. Welcome to all of you!
Let’s open the Poetry Playground!
Last Week’s Gems
Last week’s prompt generated some wonderful poetry. Here are just a few examples to read if you haven’t yet done so (please choose at least one to read) :
Pixel Floyd produced this inspirational poem:
Kitchie McBride, MHA showed how it’s done with this stunning poem:
Jennifer Morrison found wisdom with this poem:
CJ Coop does something magical, like he does every day, with this poem:
Our newest writer, Bella of Thoughtsnlifeblog wrote this beautiful stream-of-consciousness response:
Brandon Ellrich came to play with this excellent poem. Well worth a read.
We welcome general submissions. This one is excellent:
The Chatterbox Chronicles wrote this, also about dreams. It is wonderful.
Other Poetry
If you want to read something poetic but a bit different from me, you could try this:
To become a writer for Poetry Playground read this article:
Tagging the current writers for Poetry Playground below. Please choose at least one to visit. You might peruse their poetry, or award an article with a clap! This is a Playground where we support each other.
Harry Hogg, Alize Henry, Amy Barlowe, Jackie Olsen, Jason Edmunds, Mariana Busarova, Roger Hawcroft, Brandon Ellrich, Esther Spurrill-Jones, Will Anthony, Robert Ralph, Zivah Avraham, Tuaca Kelly | Write About Now ✍🏼, Portia, Shuvranil Sanyal, Steve Potter, Sheri Jacobs, Reece Beckett, Alistair J. Kraft, Michael Burg, MD (Satire Sommelier) 😬, Logophobic, Let’s Write Cat 🐈, Kitchie McBride, MHA, Kimberley Abraham, Josie P. Julius, Joseph the Dreamer, Jane Claude | Poet, Jackie Olsen, Dan J, Gary Kokaisel (Pixel Floyd), My Cozy Den, David Rudder, a.j. land, Catherine Oceano, Mariana Busarova, Alize Henry, Patricia Timmermans, Amy Barlowe, Bernadine, Robert Austin, Jeannie.Chambers, Derek Reinhard, Dyego Gaspar, Ruth Boukhari, Denée King, Merr Gumm, Priyanka Sinha, Aaren Herron, Gary L Ellis, Janaka Stagnaro, Jennifer Kurecki, erohtar isnam, Bernard Ray, Jennifer Morrison, Justiss Goode | MFR Club Coordinator, Rebel Angel, Gabriela Trofin-Tatár, Anthea Jones, Jessica Morgan, kaermorhen97, The Chatterbox Chronicles, Alearnr, CJ Coop, Khalid Are
