A Sonnet for Sunday

We have been talking a lot in my Shakespeare class about digital learning and bridging the gap between what most people's perceptions are about Shakespeare and our world today. This can include sharing our work through social media, and getting feedback from those around us. When you ask someone what their first thought is when you say "Shakespeare" many people will respond with answers like "Romeo and Juliet" or "It's hard to understand" or "It's boring." As I prepare to pursue a field in English Education, I am looking for ways to make Shakespeare more accessible to students today and hopefully help them realize the relevance to their lives.

Our first assignment at the beginning of the semester was to write a sonnet. Contrary to popular belief, sonnets can be about more than love. :) We discussed using well-known scriptural verses as the basic for a sonnet, so I decided to base mine off of one of my favorite verses from the Book of Mormon: Helaman 5:12. What follows is my very first sonnet. Enjoy!

And now my sons remember what was said,

remember Christ is Lord and Rock of all.

You must with faith obey the Living Bread.

Without His help we all on earth will fall

unless you stand with strength and purpose firm

and build upon the rock of our dear Lord.

His grace and love to you He will affirm

and with His help receive your great reward.

But there is one who wants for you to fail.

The devil will send storms and try to win

and beat you down with sin and with his hail,

for all he seeks is men to bow to sin.

            By building on a rock that cannot fall,

            we rise victorious and inherit all.