Finding The Light

Lesson 6: Sonnets ~ English (Shakespearean)

Through time 'n space explorers search for light --
those distant glimmers from creation's deep.
With perfect mirrors, glass expands their sight;
man's curiosity makes light-years leap.

For generations experts made it work ...
unfolding like an origami Webb;
to see where distant galaxies must lurk --
expanding cosmic flow ... forever ebb.

Yet, what would happen should we turn to look ...
took aim with all that power on ourselves?
Might see what makes our fragile planet cook --
tho, outer space is where our int'rest delves.

Sincere, excited, telescopic eyes
discover; here, is where we'll win the prize!

2022

Author's Note

Just when I thought I had a grasp of what is required in a Sonnet, Richard 🖌️ revealed another aspect of writing a 'Little Song'. The third verse is called the Volta, or Turn. The poem should have a sudden change, then be resolved in the couplet. Please ask if you are interested in more information about Sonnets.

Obviously, I took the idea of a Turn in the poem literally, and turned that massive device back on us. Even though the new Webb Telescope is a million miles out, imagine what we could see if we looked deep into our hearts and minds. Might see the condition of our condition and do something about it, so we don't have to search the universe for a new home. Just enjoy the amazing view!!

I'm proud to say I got an A for this poem straight out, with minimal corrections. Thank you Richard.

Reviews

[lightsong]

This is also very well written, for me it flows smoothly with no flaws, one thing let us discuss it via messages, your title and the theme. I understand that your title says it completely and whole (find the light to heal this world) what I suggest, to use more of this idea in your poem. I don't know if You understand what I mean.

[William Michael Reeves]

The title was a little play on the phrase seeing the light. In the volta I turn the telescope on us to hopefully see the light. The Webb telescope was brand new when I wrote this and my mind was boggled by ancient light traveling distances so vast. I try to be very conscious of how much I use a word. I do see what you mean. Finding the Light is about the telescope and a Sonnet must take a turn in the volta so that's why the introspective aspect of the title only shows up there. Packing a universe of ideas into a Sonnet is one of the tricky things about writing them. Thanks. I found the light and it turned out to be your song!

[Patricia]

I really enjoyed this piece, love the universe and its mysteries. It shows us just how little we know, much like our own oceans. Well done ;)

[Coyote Poetry]

Us men and women, always seeking more. I liked the flow of your thoughts Williams. After a time, we forget what we are looking for. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and you made the reader ponder and think.
Coyote

[Betty Hermelee]

You show us the future... the light... the new telescope which makes far away planets come to life...we've been waiting for this for years...we shall not forsake the earth, our planet for research in the wilds of outer space... must respect our earth and it's inhabitants.
Best, B

[William Michael Reeves]

That was an interesting thought. Research can be respect. We care enough to search for solutions and knowledge. Thanks Betty

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome WM!

[Vertigo Cat1111]

This is such a beautiful, galactic piece. It’s ebbing with beauty and tons of visual sparkle. Wonderful rhymed and executed. Stars and other planets are so fascinating, but maybe in being so appreciative if that, we forgot to look at the earth beneath us. A wonderful poem with a beautiful message. Thank you for sharing.

[William Michael Reeves]

I liked that part of my lesson on this one was learning that a Sonnet is called a 'Little Song'. Thank you quad one. I'm sure there's a story about the four ones, or two elevens.

[John the Baptist]

Congratulations on your A. Nicely rhymed piece that poses a good question. Why don't we turn that mighty lens of exploration on ourselves, here, in this place? Outer space is interesting, but I'd much rather learn how to reverse climate change.

[William Michael Reeves]

Thanks John. I was thinking the telescope would cook us like a bug under a microscope the sun's so hot now. A rogue scientist has already turned it and that's why we're having this heatwave. What was spent on that telescope could solve a lot of problems here. But glad to have it. That supernova pic I've seen today is amazing!

[Neville]

You are a lot braver than me sir .. and it seems to me that you were a very good student to boot .. not only that, but you appear to have drawn the good old sonnet into the 21st century with a cherry on top .. Ink well spent in my most humble opinion ................... Neville :)

[William Michael Reeves]

Big idea, folded small. The fact that what we see through the telescope happened billions and billions (pardon my Sagen) is so fascinating. What if we spot a satellite around a planet. Is it possible for that civilization to still exist? What if we see them looking at us through a wormhole in real time? Thanks Neville. I'll have to send my teacher an apple, through Amazon, delivered by a drone that can drop it on his desk!

[Chris Shaw]

You do form well. A very nice piece Bill.
We have always been fascinated with the stars and beyond. Yes, maybe the focus should be more on ourselves and our failing planet. Better repair the damage here first before contemplating travel and life elsewhere. Well done.

Chris

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[William Michael Reeves]

I like that we both happen to write ebb and flow into our recent poems. Poeticaldust floats around the planet and we all get the same bits of inspiration. Thanks Chris

[Cherrie Palmer]

Superb, What a great poem. You never disappoint, always with a unique point of view. I love it.

[William Michael Reeves]

Thank you!! I had wanted to write about the new eyepiece since we started seeing the images. Big idea folded into a Sonnet. I think I could have written a Crown of Sonnets on this subject. Thanks Cherrie