my sonnet

I wrote this sonnet in response to a challenge on (in)courage. We were invited to write an English sonnet about spring.

I have long contended that winter sunsets are more brilliant than those in other seasons (not that there aren’t brilliant sunsets in other seasons, they're just not as frequent, proportionately!). The colors strike me as more vivid and sharp. I reflected, recently, that this extra boldness of color in wintertime was a way to “bookmark” the life and color of the other seasons until they returned. It was that reflection that inspired this sonnet.


The dark and death of winter’s landscape lies
Across the yearning heart of courage born;
While in the quiet of the fading skies
A swath of color lifts the soul forlorn.

Bold stripes of golden hues and tangerine
Array themselves amongst the clouds that shine
With teasing hints of rose and aubergine;
The promise of renewal so divine.

Then, yielding to the buds that lie in wait
The dull and dormant days gives way to life.
Bright blooms and songbirds do the heart elate
And put to rest the lengthy season’s strife.

The glowing days of spring with colors bright
With ease call forth our laughter and delight.