The Roman Sonnet

[milo]

Note: (Follows traditional sonnet pattern but is 12 syllables per line instead of 10.)

Hello, name is L Oquence, this is only the 2nd poem I've wrote. I'm a rapper first and a poet second, so I tend to use a lot of multisyllabic rhyme schemes.

The Roman Sonnet

From humble beginnings, the mightiest rise.
Valiant. Vigour. Forest absent of cinder.
They all are so anxious to provide a demise.
Must learn the code of honour. Aim to die victors.

Rigourous diligence is tested and learned quick.
Soldiers called to Gaulle, and they are waiting for dark.
Vigilant generals, direct the emergence.
Soldiers do what they’re told, lest they face up to Mars.

Barbarians rise, and then the war trumpet calls.
Orcus has spoken now for those who oppose.
His judgement uncontested, and it’s trumping all.
Aquilo’s wind leaves the wild froze in their bones.

The lesson is learned, and it is tested; confirmed
Believe in the legion; lest you rest in an urn!

For the most part, I found the stuff of the poem (the poetry) pretty uninteresting but you could use the bones of it as a practice - an exercise of sorts to get the sonnet form down.

Let's consider some commonly accepted elements of a sonnet -

1. consistent rhyme scheme
2. consistent meter
3. lyric
4. problem/resolution structure
5. 14 lines

of these five elements, your poem has only the last.

so, where to start? It might be a good idea to start your journey by at least choosing a meter. After you have made your choice, some helpful pigpennien is bound to tell you where you have missed it.