Terza Rima Sonnet - "LIBERATION"

For sharing of original song lyrics, together with haiku, sonnets and other unusual poetry forms. Although not strictly bush poetry, we welcome the sharing of members' compositions in these three genres, with a view to inclusiveness and mutual encouragement. Open to all Registered Forum Users. See Board Index for separate section on free verse and non-rhyming poetry.
Post Reply
User avatar
Shelley Hansen
Posts: 2224
Joined: Sun May 04, 2014 5:39 pm
Location: Maryborough, Queensland
Contact:

Terza Rima Sonnet - "LIBERATION"

Post by Shelley Hansen » Sat Nov 20, 2021 7:13 am

Greetings All!

In my meanderings through poetry forms and structures, I've discovered another sonnet form - the terza rima sonnet. It is Italian, dating from the 14th Century.

Like all sonnets, it is 14 lines long. The first 12 lines are divided into 4 verses of 3 lines each, with interlocking rhyme aba, bcb, cdc, etc. The sonnet finishes with a two-line rhyming couplet. It is written in iambic pentameter (5 pairs of syllables per line with the stress falling on the second syllable of each pair).

Italian poet Dante and English poet Chaucer both specialised in the terza rima format, which can also be employed in longer poems.

So I thought I'd have a go ...

LIBERATION
(c) Shelley Hansen 2021

The curlew's cry resounds, forlorn and loud,
while underfoot the leafy ground is dry
and from each step awakes a dust-filled cloud.

Grey ashy soot obliterates the sky
as far away, across the gasping plain
there comes the scent of burning from on high.

No river blocks its path. No hint of rain
to quench the sparks that dance on hilltop crest.
The plague of death advances like a stain.

Then swiftly on the mountains in the west
a jagged bolt illuminates the gloom!
The stormy army marches on its quest.

The thunder drums of liberation boom -
the land is rescued from the threat of doom.
Shelley Hansen
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com

"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")

Ron
Posts: 738
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2010 5:55 pm
Location: Blue Mtns.

Re: Terza Rima Sonnet - "LIBERATION"

Post by Ron » Sun Nov 21, 2021 4:39 pm

Ah yes! well done Shelley, you certainly are the master of the sonnet! Not only in verse but in the research side too!
A great poem with a profound story line. A pleasure to read, thank you.
Cheers
Ron

User avatar
Shelley Hansen
Posts: 2224
Joined: Sun May 04, 2014 5:39 pm
Location: Maryborough, Queensland
Contact:

Re: Terza Rima Sonnet - "LIBERATION"

Post by Shelley Hansen » Mon Nov 22, 2021 9:35 pm

Thank you for your kind words, Ron. It has been fun finding out about these fascinating poetry formats.

Cheers
Shelley
Shelley Hansen
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com

"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")

Post Reply