Welcome back. My schedule last week did not allow me time to write a post. My apologies, but ya get whatcha pay for, after all.
This week’s pick is not a random choice. Not really. I was reading through my notebooks and this one said, “Pick me.” So be it.
This is a standard Petrarchan, ABBAABBA EFGEFG. The A lines in the rhyme scheme are to be read with a specific pronunciation. A sonnet is written in iambic pentameter, but these words are mostly trochaic, the stress not being on the final syllable. Granted, in Iowa Neutral or the King’s English, these would not find their place as the final word in an iambic pentameter line. I often use regional pronunciations, whether borrowed or of my own natural mode of speech. I will sometimes use the American version ‘been’ to rhyme with ‘sin,’ but will borrow the English pronunciation which rhymes with ‘seen’ from time to time. When speaking, my natural pronunciation of the noun ‘creek’ rhymes with ‘sick,’ yet I may use it the way most people speak it, which rhymes with ‘seek.’ I DO pronounce creek as others do when it’s a proper noun, however. So here, hear these words as de-zahrz, tahrz, fahrz and bahrz. Don’t forget that I’m an uneducated fella.
Such a Cost #215 Can I but find that which my heart desires? Elusive treasure that I’ve sought from birth. Those guiding stars that hover o’er the earth Direct a heart that seeks and never tires. To find that well of peace to quench the fires That burn in search of that sole source of mirth, I’d pay whatever price, all of my worth, Yet what I offer seems to lure no buyers. Yet search I must and maybe that’s the key, To labor for a prize I cannot find. The process in itself refines my soul That’s seen success upon this darkling sea. This journey’s taught me ne’er to be unkind And that itself may lead me to my goal. Frank Garnick © Copyright The Archer's March 29 December 2022
This was simply an exploration of Man’s search for Love. Those who’ve searched and found, found and lost, or have yet to find will understand the exploration encapsulated in the Octet. The Sestet is reserved for those still searching (or searching again).
I’ll note here my use of the phrase Darkling Sea. I find I’ve used it in 4 of my sonnets (so far) and one Diciotto (my own poetic creation. An 18 line, non-rhyming, iambic pentameter {Blank Verse} poem in 3 Sestets).
I did mention my use of the phrase in my post “To Yogi Berra”, so you can seek my explanation there.
Thank you for reading my post and have a wonderful day.
Or buy me a coffee.