How shall I find the strength to chase my joy,

this passion that sets light to every hour?

Mundanity serves only to annoy,

turning my face to frown and darkling glower.

In days gone by, I dreamed, to hide away

in attics, writing, high above the throng,

romantic thoughts which, in the light of day

then fizzled out. How could I be so wrong?

To think that I could write, that old refrain.

A proper job is what you need, that’s right!

The voice inside my head inflicted pain,

and negativity took hold, turned hope to fright.

But I have fought right back, doubt shall not win!

This writer’s heart beats strongly, deep within.

———-

I’m a little late, taking part in Tony’s dVerse Meeting the Bar challenge this week. Yesterday I travelled to deepest, darkest Wales to stay with my best friend and fellow (non-writing) creative. My long train journey has offered up many fresh pieces of flesh for my notebook, I can assure you!

So here I am in the bird-tweeting and sheep-baaing countryside, finally getting to Tony’s challenge, which is to write a sonnet. As you will see, I have chosen Shakespeare’s favourite rhyming pattern, given that I was born in the Midlands (the only thing I have in common with the great Bard!).

Thank you to Jo-hanna for her comment on line three – I switched ‘serves’ and ‘only’ around, and it reads much better now!

I hope you enjoy it – please do visit dVerse and see how the other poets have tackled this juicy treat!