Light of the Lamp

Posted on February 11, 2022 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  dVerse Poets Pub - MTB:  some shadowy lines
(posted by Laura Bloomsbury)

"Shadows are as much part of our physical landscapes as our metaphysical world and so it is no surprise that the penumbral is a recurring theme for poets and writers."

"Your challenge is simply(!):

. write a sonnet poem of 14 lines and 10 syllables (iambic pentameter is
    optional extra)
. choose the Italian, English or French rhyme form *
. start and end each line with the same word (including derivatives and
  homophones)
. put ‘shadow’ or its derivative in your title
. use the notion of shadow as metaphor or reality somewhere in your poem


(Did my own thing with this one.)

When a street lamp casts a shadow on the ground,
an amber light like a painting of Van Gogh’s,
I imagine a film noir scene, heightened sound,
A man in silhouette striking match; it glows.

Is he wary of date with dangerous dame?
Mysterious woman, long wavy red hair
with sensuous mouth who might lead him astray.
He thinks of her hourglass curves everywhere.

Remembers seeing her with some shady men.
He tips the brim of his hat down low, smoking.
As he nears the front of the club, he tenses.
A redhead steps out of the shadows in cloak.

Enough light to see silver of her gun
He fires first, she falls, this movie is done.

https://dversepoets.com/

About purplepeninportland

I am a freelance poet, born and bred in Brooklyn, New York. I live with my husband, John, and two charming rescue dogs–Marion Miller and Murphy. We spent eight lovely years in Portland, OR, but are now back in New York. My goal is to create and share poetry with others who write, or simply enjoy reading poetry. I hope to touch a nerve in you, and feel your sparks as well.
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16 Responses to Light of the Lamp

  1. Sadje says:
    February 11, 2022 at 2:29 am

    Great scene setting! I felt as if I was watching this movie.

    Like

  2. ben Alexander says:
    February 11, 2022 at 10:16 am

    Wow, Sara! You’re a sonnet master. How lovely ❤
    Are you also going to write a "shadow" version?

    Much love,
    David

    Like

  3. Ain says:
    February 11, 2022 at 12:57 pm

    That does read like a real film noir!

    Like

  4. Quaranjavirus says:
    February 11, 2022 at 3:43 pm

    A thriling movie! I loved this quick paces sonnet of yours 🙂

    Like

  5. Tricia Sankey says:
    February 11, 2022 at 5:56 pm

    the storytelling is so much fun in this sonnet! Enjoyed! 💓

    Like

  6. Eugenia says:
    February 12, 2022 at 4:36 pm

    Wow! This is excellent, Sara!

    Like

  7. memadtwo says:
    February 12, 2022 at 10:03 pm

    Lots of tension here. (K)

    Like

Comments are closed.