Welcome back dear readers. I chose this sonnet for a reason this week. No randomness today.
In last week’s choice, Such a Cost, I showed the rhyme scheme incorrectly. Nobody called me out on the mistake. This is a forum where the readers can interact in real time with the writer. Since less than 40% of my readership even bothers to open my posts, I’ll chalk it up to that portion of my readers just being nice and understanding of the imperfections in Man. Yet that is why I chose this sonnet this week.
This is a Crybin variant Petrarchan with a Sicilian Sestet. ABBACDDC EFEEFE
Before a Fall #173 Belong I to the race of men intent To strive and build a hidden strength within, To suffer not temptation's goal to win And with that victory I am content. For golden garlands, fair upon my brow Look smart and garner praise that I might seek, However, I would still choose to be meek. A haughty spirit's what I disavow. For in the end my judgment rides alone On whether I, myself could overcome. To leave aside desire to be known And see my name carved in the living stone. No tiny task is this, to not succumb To dark conceit, a trait He won't condone. Frank Garnick © Copyright The Archer's March 28 September 2022
לִפְנֵי־שֶׁ֥בֶר גָּא֑וֹן וְלִפְנֵ֥י כִ֝שָּׁל֗וֹן גֹּ֣בַהּ רֽוּחַ׃
Pride goes before ruin,
Arrogance, before failure.
Proverbs 16:18
Arrogance is a trait we (hopefully) try to avoid while still being desirous of notice. It’s sometimes a fine line between the two. Everyone wants to be a hero, to be the one who “saves the day.” It’s like Samwise Gamgee producing some rope at just the right time. Most of us will never have an opportunity to jump on a grenade to save others, but most of us would like to be useful to our fellow man. Recognition for our efforts is nice. Sometimes. Our better nature often chooses to eschew that notice for our deeds. Yet always lurking is the trap of a haughty spirit.
Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day. If you’ve a mind, you can buy me a coffee.