POEM STARTER
Write a Petrarchan Sonnet on the theme of Autumn.
A Petrarchan Sonnet has 14 lines; the first 8 must have a rhyme scheme ABBAABBA, the last 6 can have variable rhymes, but are normally split into 2 sets of 3 lines.
Great-Fall
Fingerlings’ tips fissure and rust,
Their ageing grip grows weak,
Riots of russet flutter and streak
Earthbound, crumpling to dust.
Suspended in air, a sulphur must,
The bang of gunpowder and its reek,
Dyeing nightskies into Javan batik,
Swilled and rolled by November gust.
But she of blanching breath and bite
Births sunspots in redemptive sigh:
Imbued with scent of honey-sweet spice,
Fire-warmed corners in candlelight
And cinnamon dusting pumpkin pie,
A joyous shudder with every slice!