Poetry
Ethereal Thoughts on Love for the Planet Instead of Material Possessions
A sonnet
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Fly higher, ought we aim for constant growth
In never-ending striving to the top?
A simple life is deemed a sign of sloth
We soldier on, keep going, never stop
These rules society bestows on us
We bow, obey, put shoulders to the wheel
“Do not get left behind, don’t miss the bus”
We’re pressured to perform with nerves of steel
Consumerism teaches us “have more”
Increase production, make things we don’t need
Procure resources, make our planet poor
Destruction of our future due to greed
High living standards should not be the goal
Material things are killers of the soul
Backstory
This is my second attempt at a sonnet. I wrote the first one three years ago and decided it was time to brush up on this poetry form.
I stuck to the Shakespearean sonnet, which starts the engine in my head stuttering and stalling. I wouldn’t dare attempt Petrarchan or Spenserian at risk of seizing my motor. Brain transplants aren’t a thing yet.
A sonnet contains 14 lines: three stanzas of four lines with a finishing couplet. The last is a two-liner as opposed to stand-up comedians who prefer one-liners.
The first/third and second/fourth lines of each verse must rhyme as well as the final couplet. Connoisseurs call this abab, cdcd, efef and the couplet is a gg.
Further complicating the scenario is your mastery of the English language — how to pronounce words of over one syllable with the stress in the correct place. This can be stressful in other places too — such as giving you a massive headache.
I share this crucial information because you are under an obligation to write iambic pentameters. Mind-boggling, but as any musician knows, once you’re in the rhythm’s groove, you’re good to go.
