Inside This Little Room

It's to the corner kids must sometimes go,
or to their room they're sent and kept alone.
Their freedom gone, they stare at walls and groan.
When time is up, they've not one thing to show!

Of poets, there are some who undergo
a similar reaction. They bemoan
their ever being sentenced to the "zone"
of writing in a form that stifles flow.

Like embryos enclosed within the womb
and sucking on their toes, they wait to be
thus freed from "Mother" Poetry (Oh, doom!)

In contrast, I implore you: Keep that key
and leave me here - restricted. I shall bloom
inside this little room. Do punish me!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Watt Avatar
February 4, 2020 at 4:43 PM
FANTASTIC! I say a hearty amen to this sonnet about sonnets (or any structured poetic form). Love the metaphors of the fetus in the womb and the child being sent to the corner. Another fave! See my Soupmail ~ John
Yvonne Avatar
September 19, 2014 at 10:10 PM
Brilliant!!!! Simple to read, it flows beautifully. We are definitely of the same mind on this thought. I could write a book on this topic. Honestly for me this write says everything I want to say on the topic. I will fav it to have it handy to read to friends and family.
Sirak Avatar
July 27, 2013 at 10:34 AM
Love it. I do admire talented poets like you who flourish within the parameters of formal poetry. I try to write it, because I do love reading it,but usually I end up picking out parts that I like and rewriting in free verse. I only have a few that I liked enough to keep. I have always been one to cross lines just because they are there, and always forge my own path even if I am the only one on it.
Omara Avatar
March 29, 2013 at 6:49 PM
Oh, the masochism! Yes, I'm with you Andrea, I love your little room, particularly for humourous verse. Rhyme becomes it so. But not all that fond of some of the heavily structured and constricting forms of it.
Neels Avatar
January 13, 2011 at 4:30 AM
Can I join you in your little room?? Great message.. I love this form and you do it with such ease.. I need to try my hand at a Sonnet sometime.. love Wilma
K. Avatar
October 12, 2010 at 8:02 AM
cont'd... and you wrote it in sonnet form too! Amazing! Just goes to prove your point actually-- I honestly think that you are excellent when it comes to writing in form (this sonnet case in point) and you are also a great at free verse-- if writing in form makes you happy-- go for it-- I think we free verse writers could use to be locked in a room from time to time-- which reminds me, I have to try those sonnet contests! Really enjoyed this gem, Andrea :) hugs :)
K. Avatar
October 12, 2010 at 7:57 AM
Whoa-- however did I miss this one, Andrea? Sure makes me feel bad that I think I've missed out on your poems-- I think this was posted during that time that I wasn't active here? Was this for a contest? No need for apologies for this one I think! I do think that having some sort of restrictions can actually be good? too much of freedom in anything can also be bad, same goes with writing-- I really really liked how you likened writing in form to being inside a room--& even standing in a corner--
Austin Avatar
April 12, 2010 at 2:01 PM
Oh yes! I know and love little rooms. Have practiced my violin in one or another little room for thousands of hours - done my best work there, had the most enjoyment. Big rooms frighten me, "Punish Me!" LOve, daver
Peranteau Avatar
March 29, 2010 at 5:25 AM
Andrea... I feel the same way ! Who started this , "FORM" thingy anyway ? I know it started many moons ago, and that forms have been added, yet, I feel it stiffels the poet ! Great write Andrea ! There is no need to confine yourself, Wm. Snodgrass, a Pulitzer Prize winner was "Grounded", LOL for his desired writes, yet now we know of this great poet ! *smiles* james
Dietrich Avatar
July 27, 2013 at 9:23 AM
you must not have been reading my poem. hahaha
Bono Avatar
March 10, 2010 at 7:45 PM
Very nicely said.I remember the corner.Hope all is well.
Locke Avatar
March 6, 2010 at 9:07 AM
lovely Andrea!
Pickett Avatar
March 3, 2010 at 8:48 AM
Alone time...... Good write....:JP]
Docherty Avatar
March 1, 2010 at 11:04 PM
Oh but I love to be confined with time to think and work alone on my next piece... Just pick a subject and do your research... lol... Great write! Keep your pen dancing! Kindest thoughts and thanks for your lovely commenting...Anna-Marie.
Kapoor Avatar
February 28, 2010 at 9:55 AM
Many thanks for your kind comments. I will start commenting on yours and other poems after 2-3 days. To day I have posted only a new poem written before my eye operation. I had seen your Blogs comments and feel it’s great that at least there are persons like you and Linda who are really concerned for Nature. Thanks with best wishes and love Ravindra..... Andrea Derich
A  Avatar
February 27, 2010 at 2:44 PM
nice write thanks for sharing... I.T.
Fraser Avatar
February 27, 2010 at 8:29 AM
Wonderful piece Andrea >> James
Kendrick Avatar
February 26, 2010 at 2:39 PM
I hope that you keep birthing poetry. Keep the creative and expressive pen flowing. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my work. Sara
Owens Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 5:42 PM
Wow if this is what comes out of being "restricted" and the key taken away then stay in that little room all the time...Wonderful poem...Enjoyed...Marty
Devonshire Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 4:27 PM
Andrea, the Soup sent me an email on how to get that "tool bar." These instructions worked for me: "Go to the Internet Explorer menu, select Tools > Compatibility View Settings. Then add poetrysoup.com to the list. (this is if you are using Internet Explorer 8). I hope this clears up your problem. I had the same difficulty for months. Love, Carolyn
Scripca Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 11:01 AM
Please remain enclosed in the maternal womb of Poetry as long as you can. Beautiful Italian Sonnet style poetry you shared with us today, dear Andrea. Love, Iolanda
Sweetheart Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 8:04 AM
SOUP MAIL... YAHOO TOO>>
Austin Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 6:30 AM
Hey, Andrea! I'll trade anytime you say. I also have a number of chapbooks which I'm eager to share.You need to send me your email address. BIG LOVE, daver
Ryerson Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 12:34 AM
And please stay 'restricted', Andrea! I love 'how you roll!' Great comparison AND rhyme scheme...very difficult to do...'sucking on their toes'... My, my...how original... Once again, thanks for your advice on mine! - Tim
Strand Avatar
February 25, 2010 at 12:22 AM
Congrats on your recent contest success Andrea.Rgds Brian & thanks for your welcome comments
Byrne Avatar
February 24, 2010 at 9:39 PM
Italian Sonnet............lol? I take my hat off to your skill..........smile!
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