How to write a sonnet

Some say sonnet writing is tough to complete
But I can write them with the greatest of ease
Thus I say: Writing sonnets is a breeze!
Know what to do and you’re on easy street
First, you will need a unique rhyming scheme
Like: A-B-B-A or A-B-A-B
And that’s just what your first four lines should be
And note that your lines should number fourteen
Make sure there’s ten syllables in each line
The rhyming will repeat as you will see
With: C-D-D-C or C-D-C-D
And if you make it this far, you’re doing fine
Writing the next four lines should be easy
E-F-F-E or E-F-E-F, see?
Now that the end is in sight, finally
You finish with your last two lines: G-G

Now you know how, so walk without fear
So go write a sonnet the world will hear


22nd April 2003