A Mini Sonnet Sequence

Recently, I have found enjoyment in sonnets. In this project for my British literature class, I tried my hand at sonnet writing, imitating poets like Anne Lock, who adapted Scripture to poetry. I played with the tension between copying Scripture closely and deviating carefully.

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A Mini-Sequence of paraphrases of scriptures on sloth:

A paraphrase of Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22

I see you truly when yourself you fake.

Alive and yet dead, neither cold nor hot,

So my wrath will root out your false lie stake,

Seeming richly clothed when yet you are not.

Yea, soon I come here, finding you hiding,

As a thief I come, buy my gold and silv’.

Save yourself, repent; I come next as King

In the dark night to see your resolve.

Knocking I offer life should you choose it,

Here my offer I repeat yet again:

Stop up your lying, listen my words split.

I will come to you, come let me begin,

I offer vict’ry conquering the breach,

Hear if you have ears then listen my speech.

A paraphrase of Deuteronomy 6:10-15

Godly promises shall be delivered.

He gives you cities, cisterns, crops, and food

And houses of warmth where once you shivered,

Now comfy, in plenty, filled up--be shrewd.

Beware: forget is the utmost of rude,

Comfort will blind your dependence on Him

Lest ye turn from He who chothéd your nude,

And offer an idol life and a limb.

Come shall He no matter how far ye swim

In flooding of your sinful mud deluge,

Aside He shall set all proper and prim,

Be feared as your mighty awe-ful refuge

Burning heat as bright as He be jealous.

To avoid ye must copy Him: zealous.

A paraphrase of Hebrews 4:11-13

To strive to find rest put your effort all,

As our lord, work six to rest on seven

In His presence is God’s restful Heaven.

If so, be not saddened at the death pall,

For, living it is which speaking He calls:

Sharp point edge and tip, which sword-like driven

Exposes and discerns wheat from leaven,

True motives and intent hearts each enthrall.

The omniscient Lord with His roving eye

Sees all, knows all, is all places all times.

None of all his invent can hide intent.

No clothing nor mask is enough so sly

To shield, protect, to hide in or prevent

Giving account past hallowéd death chimes.

A paraphrase of Hebrews 5:11-14

Much more have we to teach—if you could learn,

Much more to say—if only you could hear.

Sharper wit dulléd, bent—Oh, how we yearn

We agonise for you; we beg: give ear.

You cannot yet sink your teeth into this

For far too long still are you teething, for

Waiting long stale rotten food goes amiss.

Still you require a spoon-feed mentor!

The Word must be chewed for all its pleasure;

No sipping or slurping as if a child.

Righteousness calls for skill to good treasure,

Shun evil: master all basics compiled.

Only a grown-up can discern the chew,

Trained to split right and wrong in all they view.