Sonnet 18

  • If I could have the best of you,
  • There would be no definite choice
  • For what feature I would first foist
  • Atop a pedestal to view.
  • Neither would I know which to rid,
  • Another and I'd fast refute,
  • But your lovely makes each flaw moot
  • Inspiring a more ornate bid.
  • And what of the honest unknown,
  • That I can't put my finger on,
  • That I can't put my poor mind on,
  • That feels so right when we're alone.
  • Keep it simple, it's an easy pick,
  • The whole of you is best I think.

Notes

OMG the first sonnet I've written in 2007. I've had a lot of stuff to write about recently but can't find the patience or cohesive mindset to sit down and finish anything, so late last night I tried a new setup with my booklight and bam, we got ourselves a sonnet. I'm trying to keep things simple here, no elaborate thoughts, no confusing analogies, no vain attempt to be wittier than I think I am. And luckily with the topic at hand, being simple is best. Sometimes you just know if something is good.

I kept this to quatrameter lines, though my stresses are off on each line. Frankly, I don't care about stresses for this piece. I didn't want to get inundated with details. I just wanted it to be simple and sweet. And I hope it achieves that.

— Huy on