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Linking Pin Sonnet-Title: Linked in Sorrow, Bound by Grace
Grace met the waters that swallowed the land.
Land wept with families who held trembling hands.
Hands clutched to memories lost in the rain.
Rain blurred the faces etched in pain.
Pain carved its silence into sacred trees.
Trees whispered names carried by the breeze.
Breeze swirled through churches offering prayer.
Prayer soared where voices filled the air.
Air heavy with hymns and solemn breath.
Breath paused in reverence near the shadow of death.
Death could not drown the courage they gave.
Gave hope, even rising from a grave.
Grave though this storm, love will remain.
Remain in hearts who speak their name.
© Dr. Joseph S. Spence, Sr., Ph.D. (Epulaeryu Master), USA! July 8, 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Author’s Notes: Dedicated to the souls lost in the July 4, 2025, Kerr County flood, their families, and all who grieve. May memory be eternal, and may healing rise like the dawn over still waters.
Linking Pin Sonnet was invented by me, Dr. Joseph S. Spence Sr. while studying English literature, creative writing, African diaspora, Japanese linguistics, and mythology at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, on January 15, 2007, after studying 21 different sonnet forms. It consists of 14 lines of eight to eleven syllables. The end of each line links with the next. The concept is based on the leadership principle of accomplishing an organization’s task. Strengthening organizational echelons at each level comes by connecting each element with a linking pin leader, thus obtaining maximum productivity in its goal’s completion. One should visualize each linking pin connecting to the next level ensuring strength and safety, moving every adjoining part to reach maximum potential in mission accomplishment. Additionally, one may visualize the linking pin in a bicycle chain. Each pin is secured in place causing the chain to move forward allowing the bike to do the same to get to its destination. Furthermore, the linking pin sonnet resonates with two lovers on the same sheet of music linking together, singing the same song, moving in the same direction, strengthening each other, overcoming obstacles, reaching their goals, and achieving success and victory. This is the practice and significance of “Jumping the Broom” at an African American wedding as a couple.
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