The Sting of Spring

I sulk in solace by the ember’s glow
of warming hearths that temper to the bone
then wait in earnest ‘til the thaw of snow
and all the piercing winter winds have blown.
   I wait the breeze that lifts each feathered wing
of vernal robins beckoning the day,
and when their songs rejoice the birth of spring,
‘tis time to store my winter quilts away.
   Though such a nuisance swarms within the wake
of winter’s gloom ascending into light,
and if a taste of me they must partake,
‘tis worth the gnawing pester of their bite.
     When buzzing hordes awake to spring’s retreat
           to fend their sting, dare not forget the DEET.


2-11-23

Copyright © | Year Posted 2023



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Date: 3/22/2023 4:51:00 PM
BRAVO! BRAVO! The ending was spectacular, Mark. I'm a sucker for a great sonnet and this one fits the bill. As a sonnet should be(IMO)
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Date: 3/4/2023 7:21:00 AM
What a great sonnet, Mark! Congratulations:)
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Mark Massey
Date: 3/4/2023 7:22:00 PM
Thank you Jo
Date: 3/3/2023 2:43:00 AM
Great poem on the "The Sting of Spring" - Beautifully written. Congratulations!
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Mark Massey
Date: 3/3/2023 9:24:00 AM
Thank you
Date: 3/2/2023 9:34:00 PM
Ah Deet, the original buzzkill. Classic writing, Mark, with a wonderful surprise ending to make O Henry jealous. Perfect take on the contest theme, great title, and I always enjoy your sonneteering (complete with a volta at line 8!) Congrats on your win ~ John
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Mark Massey
Date: 3/3/2023 9:15:00 AM
Thanks John and congrats to you as well. The DEET thing came about with a little help from Janice Canerdy
Date: 3/2/2023 3:46:00 PM
I love the rhythm and word choices here, Mark, so sublime! Congratulations and thanks for entering my contest~
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Mark Massey
Date: 3/3/2023 9:24:00 AM
Thanks Michelle, and thanks again for being the gracious host of a wonderful contest
Date: 2/11/2023 6:23:00 PM
EXCELLENT sonnet, Mark! Be sure your spray contains DEET! Janice
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Mark Massey
Date: 2/11/2023 6:25:00 PM
Will do…thanks Janice
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