Stine Writing and Miniatures

100 Forms of Poetry: Curtal Sonnet: Sorrow Overwhelms

Content warning… November 10th is my son’s heavenly birthday and I am really sad. It shows in my writing. I am thankful for my memories, they mean so very much.

Sorrow Overwhelms

Tomorrow is the hardest day by far
Nothing in this whole world can make it right
My world was broken and can never mend
Not even with the brightest shooting star
Or with the fullest moon shining at night
No kind prayers exist that one can send
A blessing my son came into this world
A mother’s view opens to a new sight
happiness doubled, no joy could contend
when he was taken, life became unfurled
The day I die is the day it will end

©2023 CBialczak

Curtal Sonnet. 11-line sonnet invented by Gerard Manley Hopkins.

So, I was torn with this because I have read in so many places that regardless of how the lines are arranged, sonnets have 14 lines. One site even said if it doesn’t have 14 lines it is NOT a sonnet. I would love to hear what people know or think about it.

I found this “lesson” https://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/sonnet

Gerard Manley Hopkins invented the curtal sonnet in the 19th century. The poem consists of 10 lines written in iambic pentameter and a final line consisting of a single spondee (or foot consisting of two long or stressed syllables). Here’s the rhyme scheme:

Line 1: a
Line 2: b
Line 3: c
Line 4: a
Line 5: b
Line 6: c
Line 7: d
Line 8: b
Line 9: c
Line 10: d
Line 11: c

©2023 CBialczak

10 comments

  5. Heroic sonnets have 18 lines. I enjoy writing them, as they are longer and can elaborate more. I am so sorry about your son. Praying you may have peace and comfort during this time, and be surrounded by fond memories.❤️🙏🏻

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