Michelle Faulkner Poet Italian Sonnet

The Burden of Perfection

Common wisdom states no one must take
Or receive more than can carry
Without pause or delay, a sin to tarry
For under that stay, avarice can overtake
Yet, I have carried more than my weight
Even against advice, even contrary
I forgot the limits, forgot to be wary
Forgot the honor of my namesake

Where falls your footsteps when you stumble
Which choice you choose at divergent trails
What foresight is lost when you fumble
When the burden of perfection fails
In the strength of weakness, Samson is humble
Permit the meeker grace of mortals prevails.

4/13/18

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John Watt April 2, 2020 at 11:37 PM Michelle, I enjoyed your Italian sonnet very much, the line "In the strength of weakness, Samson is humble" struck me the most. Did you write this after reading some Edna St Vincent Millay perhaps? Or Christina Rossetti? Both leaned towards the italian style of sonnet writing. Think you'll try the style again? ~ John Michelle Faulkner April 5, 2020 at 6:51 PM I think it was one of St Edna's (as I call her) - and yes, I am working on a new sonnet now!

Dale Gregory Cozart January 3, 2019 at 8:05 AM Very nicely written Italian Sonnet. Wise words indeed. Michelle Faulkner January 3, 2019 at 2:59 PM Thanks for your comment, Dale, glad you like it!

Rob Carmack January 2, 2019 at 8:47 PM Impressive. Congrats and thank you for supporting my contest. Michelle Faulkner January 2, 2019 at 10:49 PM Thank you, Rob, I am honored to be included on this impressive list!

Gershon Wolf April 14, 2018 at 10:10 PM The title attracted me immediately. Then I found the poem profound, moving. And the last two lines---Perfection Itself! (Oops! Used the wrong word by accident, really. But how can I now write 'Imperfection Itself,' when I don't believe that those two lines could ever be written better)! Bravo, Michelle! :) gw Michelle Faulkner April 15, 2018 at 8:06 AM Thank you, Gershon - I almost titled this "Mortal Graces" but felt "The Burden of Perfection" was more fitting - take care -

Line Gauthier April 13, 2018 at 10:41 AM I really enjoyed this poem, Michelle. Michelle Faulkner April 15, 2018 at 8:07 AM So appreciate that, Line!

Christopher Goss April 13, 2018 at 9:05 AM Very good. Michelle Faulkner April 15, 2018 at 10:00 AM thank you, christopher!