Hiraeth
It all had started with a single spark
Just one little spark, the initial burst
Cold and alone, we arose in the dark
As above, down below, became the first
In the cradle of civilisation
Sun and Moon, hireath for the creator
The four elements in their location
Born characteristics of our nature
Ptolemy’s division, wisdoms of life
created a world overseen by God
and governed by reason, eluding strife
Each soul’s ascent to the stars and beyond
Curious Centaur, Aquarius heart
a balanced scale, hold my truths in the chart
Throughout the story I mention references to Sumer, one of the first places to develop Astrology, and Ptolemy, the ancient astronomer and astrologer. I talk about the four elements (fire, earth, air, water) and how in their placement they hold weight in the nature of our characteristics. The final couplet contains my personal identifications; my Sun sign, the Centaur representing my core Sagittarius energy, my Moon sign, the water-bearer, symbolises my emotions and my rising sign, Libra, a reflection of my outer persona.
I wrote a sonnet. I wrote a sonnet! Hiraeth is the first sonnet I have written. It was fun brainstorming themes and subjects but it wasn't all easy peasy. I got stuck on the Rock n' Roll/ musical rhythm and could not hear the iambic pentameter beat. I used the example of Shakespear's sonnet, isolating each line in the passage and slowing down the speed in which I read. It was still challenging and I wasn't speaking effectively in my natural flow of speech, it didn't feel right. So, I went to the great all knowing spirit for help, Youtube. I probably watch around fifteen videos on iambic pentameter. I focused on creating ten syllables for each line in my sonnet, and hoping the five segmented parts were magically incorporated. When my piece was finished, I went back through, making sure the second stressed syllable was apparent. The pattern is more noticeable now, I don't have to strain so much to reconize that tempo.