Shakespeare’s secret #sonnet #poetry #prompt

Al Lane at A Certain Point of View has been celebrating Shakespeare’s 400th thingy with his take on some of the great man’s finest. Esther Newton prompts weekly to write a poem, this week with ‘Secrets’ being the chosen word.

So, follow Al’s lead and using both the Bard and Esther I’ve come up with this play on Sonnet 91, using the original first line.

After Sonnet 91: Life Lessons

Some glory in their birth, some in their skill

Some enjoy a pint, some prefer a pill

Some are shallow, followers of fashion,

Some see their art as the epitome of passion.

Some pay a fortune to retain their youth

Some hold the common touch, some just stand aloof.

But wherever you stand on this spectrum

Finding joy remains a conundrum.

The secret is not found in one’s reputation

Nor in some chemical hallucination.

The simple truth is clear, as was ever thus

Always say you’re sorry and never make a fuss.

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.

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