Andrea Dietrich Poet Sonnet

Notes About The Poem

For Edward Ibeh's Pick-A-Title, Vol 56 Poetry Contest/ theme 2/ March 25, 2026

Svengali

I dreamed Svengali came to me by night.
His yellow teeth, which were so revolting
and his black popping eyes gave me such fright,
that from my dream I wished to be bolting.
Yet still he stayed there, and I felt as if
my will was being sucked up out of me.
Night-terrorized and paralyzed – so stiff -
in agony I lay there. I could not flee.
His laugh most hideous was a crow’s caw
deriding me. How could I make him leave?
Was I being choked? Breath I could not draw!
But then I screamed. To this day I believe
the shriek I managed -sharper than a knife -
had jolted me awake and saved my life!

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Edward Ibeh April 23, 2026 at 4:28 AM Awesome sonnet with wonderful imagery and rhymes, Andrea. Quite spooky, I might add! Heartiest congratulations on your win in my contest.

Karen Jones April 22, 2026 at 6:00 PM Wow! Sounds like a night terror! Very scary Andrea! Congratulations on a win!

Charles Messina April 1, 2026 at 2:10 AM Frightening...lol Love the ending! Best wishes in the contest! Andrea Dietrich April 1, 2026 at 11:21 AM Thanks!

Joe Maverick March 31, 2026 at 11:28 PM A scream like a knife.??? I shall attempt To stay on good terms then' or only Correspond by letter.' Oh what could be Better..lol)))

Christina Chircop March 29, 2026 at 4:16 AM This gave me chills! Such a haunting sonnet! Andrea Dietrich March 29, 2026 at 10:52 AM Thanks, sweetie

David Crandall March 28, 2026 at 3:07 PM Scary!

Paige Hind March 26, 2026 at 9:20 PM Woah, scary!! Andrea Dietrich March 27, 2026 at 4:57 PM love that reaction

Valsa George March 26, 2026 at 8:23 PM Your personification of Svengali is powerful and terrifying. Anyone would be moved to great fright if this happens. Beautifully rhyming sonnet, dear Andrea. Andrea Dietrich March 27, 2026 at 4:57 PM thanks, Valsa

Ink Empress March 26, 2026 at 2:32 PM Your sonnets, sweet andrea, they always flow so well! I absolutely love how youv rhymed and also the way youv done poetic storytelling here, i see through your words this scene unfolding! Terrifying, but so vivid!!! You are just brilliant! Its an absolute pleasure reading you today! Sending you light always queen of soup Andrea Dietrich March 27, 2026 at 4:57 PM thanks, Ink, I miss you

Joseph P. DiMino March 26, 2026 at 8:11 AM I know my wife's is sharper than a knife when she has something to say. Stick stick. Poor Svengeli...but he deserved it -- Not me!! Love it. Well done. Marvelous writing. Andrea Dietrich March 27, 2026 at 4:57 PM Thanks, Joe

Victor Buhagiar March 26, 2026 at 2:52 AM A dark sonnet. Great details, emotions and imagery. Andrea Dietrich March 27, 2026 at 4:58 PM thanks, Victor

CayCay Godwin March 25, 2026 at 7:45 PM I had to shake my head to remember fact or fiction, but I recalled, fictional dude uses control/influence for evil reasons. The fact version lived, name was Epstein. You took the long way home, a difficult form for your entry. To me, that makes it all the more worthy. You delivered: I felt the nightmare; my feet wouldn't move & he wouldn't leave, wished to wake. So vivid the dream, she still feels 'reality' when dream is recalled. I just learned enjambment is ok in Sonnets, or did I already know? Andrea Dietrich March 25, 2026 at 10:05 PM Google him. Very interesting creepy fictional character. Once I learned who he was, I found it more interesting than trying to think up an example of a sad surprise, the only other option I liked. Thanks for reading and commenting. I would like to find the old svengali movie and watch it

Connie Pachecho March 25, 2026 at 1:46 PM Andrea, this poem is interesting, and I can venture to say a real-life experience? It definitely reads better the second time around as I let the words sink in (oh, oh ... don't say that Connie). Andrea Dietrich March 25, 2026 at 4:02 PM thanks, Connie. Did not really know where to take this subject given by the contest sponsor. I just read a description of this horrible character and made him into a nightnare!