Morphed into Sonnet Form Preview

Cinquain A cinquain is a 5-line poem that follows a specific format. Words: Line 1- 1 word Line 2- 2 words Line 3- 3 words Line 4- 4 words Line 5- 1 word (Poems don’t have to rhyme.) … or Syllables: Line 1-2 syllables Line 2- 4 syllables Line 3- 6 syllables Line 4- 8 syllables Line 5- 2 syllables … or Parts of Speech: Line 1- noun Line 2- 2 adjectives Line 3- 3 -ing words Line 4- a phrase Line 5- another word for the noun from line 1 → synonym



WORDS Underestimated Outsiders doubt Very often correct Not trying to brag Insightful Variables Tough change Many factors influence Traumatic Brain Injury enigma Unsolvable Sports I miss Athletics complete me Team wins bring happiness … comparatively Movies I enjoy The Big Lebowski Gotta have SOME HUMOR “Nihilists” Preference My skills Individual over team No question of blame 93

Wrestling Rehabilitation Constant exercise Legs, upper body Combine and apply lessons Knowledgeable Peculiar Many teachers Seemingly opposing views Whose advice to use Conflicting Hockey Forget liking Never could skate Soccer is waaaaay better Europeans Organization Email drafts Schedule on whiteboard How brain still functions Cleanliness Evaluation Others’ views Like being graded “To each … his own” Worthy? 94

SYLLABLES Solo Walks and/or talks Will only come with time. Non-physical acts … less stressing. Training I Neeeeed Powerful legs, Clear wording, well-known thoughts And a myoo-chuh-lee loving wife. Desires Am I Too confident?! I’ve looooong accomplished much. I’m used to answering questions. Cocky? Hafta Disprove haters. I cannot/do not rest My constantly thought-provoking Mind won’t. How do Laypeople not Understand noo-mehr-kuhl Prah-per-teez?! … they’re universal. 95

Math. … duh! Questions Abound … in head. Not for long. … physics show That my intuitions are right! No doubt Have much! I spread the wealth. So little I can do! I am a giver … of fun times! Why not?! Watching Sports … is reeeeeally Not just as good as if Playing ‘em. I’m feeling … anti- Social. My brain Was all numbers. Now, I’ve seen … strength of words. Turn bad things into … great events! Think swell! Is there Stimulating Food for any neural Activity? … starving for it! Input! 96

PARTS OF SPEECH My Brain Brilliant; inexplicable Astonishing; bamboozling; mystifying Good things come to those who work. Genius Martial Arts Defensive; expressive Manipulating; releasing; fascinating Fake low to strike high. Class Optimism Essential; self-applicable Hoping; motivating; deducing If you don’t think you can, … you’ve already lost. Confidence Teaching Respectful; creative Learning; mind-easing; fact-maneuvering Great teachers make the best students. Tutoring 97

Communication Different; nonverbal Silencing; gesturing; signaling ~93% of all daily communication is nonverbal. Talking Respect Courteous; friendly Agreeing; supporting; hugging Would you rather be loved or respected? Appreciation Comedy Funny; hilarious Laughing; coping; distracting If you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re not funny. Humor Goals Bold; determined Trying; defying; overcoming If it were easy, … then everyone would do it. Objectives Solo self-transportation Independent; unique Walking; straight-staring; weight-shifting My mind is my conductor on the road of life. Walking alone 98

Surrender [To me:] foreign, misunderstandable Giving up (?); marching on; continuing You don’t know, until you try. Abdication 99



Diamante Poem A diamante poem is a 7 line poem that looks like a diamond. It does NOT have to rhyme. It can be used to describe 1 topic or 2 opposite topics. Line 1: 1 word (subject/noun) Line 2: 2 adjectives that describe line 1 Line 3: 3 -ing words that relate to line 1 Line 4: 4 nouns (first 2 relate to line 1, last 2 relate to line 7—if you’re writing about opposite topics) Line 5: 3 -ing words that relate to line 7 Line 6: 2 adjectives that describe line 7 Line 7: 1 word (subject/noun)



Leg-Nerves WeakENED; Stubborn REbuilding; Standing; Persevering Determination; REbirth; … Compensation; Improvisation Increasing; Curling; Stretching Reliable; Enduring ARM Strength 103

Left-Brain Permanent; logical Calculating; deducing; concocting Mathematics; Science; … creativity; artist Writing; explaining; lecturing Authorial; wordy Right brain 104

Calculus Variable; Applicable Determining; Applying; Substituting Trigonometry; Algebra; … Figures; Polygons Concocting; Matching; Laying OUT Construction; Design Geometry2 2 P.S. IS it IRONIC that one of my DIAMOND-shaped poems was about GEOMETRY … the study of FIGURES & SHAPES? (... If SO, … DAMN, I’m GOOD!) 105

Karate Aggressive; Combative Blocking; Striking; Sparring Kicks; Spins; … Grabs; Chokes Locking; Rolling; Tapping Flexibility; Groundwork Jujitsu 106

Anger Extreme; NEGATIVE FUMING; STEAMING; Ignoring Foot STOMPS; Journal posts; … lesser degree; EXHALATION ALTERNATIVE thinking; slow breathing; upsetting Nonactive; first step Frustration 107

Professional FAKE; PHONY Acting; Disguising; Falsifying FAUX Pain; … Coaching; Referee Panting; Sweating; Squeezing REAL; INTENSE Amateur 108





Pantoum A pantoum is a poem that uses a lot of repetition. To create this poem, follow these steps: ● Write a quatrain (4-line stanza). Writing emotional lines usually works best. ● Take lines 2 and 4 of the first stanza and make them lines 1 and 3 of the second stanza. ● Take lines 2 and 4 of the second stanza and make them lines 1 and 3 of the third stanza. ● Continue your poem using this pattern. ● For your last stanza, go back to the first stanza of the poem. Make line 3 of the first stanza line 2 of your last. Make line 1 of the first stanza line 4 in your last.



WRESTLING What a fantastic sport! Padding is for wusses. Every move requires careful planning. It’s so much better than football. Padding is for wusses. Bumps & bruises ain’t no thang. It’s so much better than football. It’s ‘mano e mano.’ Bumps & bruises ain’t no thang. Fun ladies love scars! It’s ‘mano e mano.’ There’s no one to blame … but yourself. Fun ladies love scars! How gruesome is the story?! There’s no one to blame … but yourself. Aaahhh! Live & learn. How gruesome is the story?! It’s a tale … of your … endurance. Aaahhh! Live & learn. With all my injuries, I could teach a class. It’s a tale … of your … endurance. 113

I’d repeatedly … test you. With all my injuries, I could teach a class. People would actually want detention! I’d repeatedly … test you. Believe me: … the juice is worth the squeeze! People would actually want detention! This sport is … hardcore … 24/7. Believe me: … the juice is worth the squeeze! That tremendous feeling of match victory! This sport is … hardcore … 24/7. … It far outweighs the exhaustion from practice! That tremendous feeling of match victory! Every move requires careful planning. … It far outweighs the exhaustion from practice! What a fantastic sport! 114

MISINTERPRETATION Growing up, I felt out o’ place. ‘Twas not usual! … I just felt so … ahead. … I just processed quicker than … most … E’ryone of my peers. ‘Twas not usual! … I just felt so … ahead. I wasn’t trying to be a dick to … E’ryone of my peers. I considered my teachers my peers … only intellectually. I wasn’t trying to be a dick to … My fellow students, … who misinterpreted my insight … as petty bragging. I considered my teachers my peers … only intellectually. Socially & experience-wise, … I was very much a newbie. I did not try to be super odd. … I just processed quicker than … most … All o’ my peers. Growing up, I felt out o’ place. Delayed Grasp Since my dreaded accident, My words are not quickly understood. Must I simplify my language? At least it’s not Turkish or Spanish or … Japanese. 115

My words are not quickly understood. I need to learn to better enunciate. At least it’s not Turkish or Spanish or … Japanese. … Strangely, I pronounce foreign words better. I need to learn to better enunciate. It’s not that I’m ignoring my speech therapist. Uuum, … no. … Strangely, I pronounce foreign words better. ‘tis just that my muscles don’t listen … to my brain! It’s not that I’m ignoring my speech therapist. Uuum, … no. Everything for me just requires more time. ‘Tis just that my muscles don’t listen … to my brain! I’ve gotta exhale slooowly, … & swallow … my pride. Can anyone comprehend my thoughts? Must I simplify my language? I ponder way more & speak much less, Since my dreaded accident. 116

NEEDED INTELLIGENCE It’s unfortunate I’ve lost my genius. I didn’t realize how much I relied on memory. I used to just see sumthin’, then know it. Now, I’ve gotta make notes. … but, I can’t write. I didn’t realize how much I relied on memory. I think I’ve got (Boston accent) smahts to spare. Now, I’ve gotta make notes. … but, I can’t write. I do what I can. I get by alright. I think I’ve got (Boston accent) smahts to spare. Since I struggle to talk, I’m online a ton. I do what I can. I get by alright. I try to surround myself with cleverness. Since I struggle to talk, I’m online a ton. I like to always stay aware. I try to surround myself with cleverness. Can I get … smarter?! #1 of 506? ‘twas A.J. of 2003 I used to just see sumthin’, then know it. Now, I see tons more. … It’s unfortunate I’ve lost my genius. 117



Italian (Petrarchan) Sonnet 1. 14-line poem 2. 1 octave (8-line stanza) followed by 1 sestet (6 line stanza) 3. Rhyming scheme of ABBAABBA CDCCDC (or CDECDE)



YÜZME The title is Turkish for ‘swimming’. How could I not get to use my glorious pool?! That’s such a ridiculous rule! With extensive research, my excitement is now brimming! While reading my works, I warn against skimming. I learned zero Turkish … in school. Finally getting to swim will be cool. My meds cause my beard to need trimming. That non-flowing first paragraph shows my mind is scattered. … Even while working, it tends to just wander. … But, when it really counts, … I get the job done. I mentioned all these things, ‘cuz they all mattered. Especially in the pool, all I do is ponder. To attack by sea, … I am an army of one. 121

DETERMINATION It sucks I’m in … a bit of a funk. I can’t run or jump or swim or … talk. But, I can burn you with my fiery glare, if you give me a mock. No worries! I’ll just continue to work hard, ‘cuz i’ve got spunk! I miss that carefree feeling of being drunk. It’s been almost a decade. … wait, lemme check the clock. Since I own a business, … shouldn’t I have stock?! I STAND by my rehab. I will not end with a clunk! For too long, I walked with a hunched over spine. … at rest, I sat in my chair with a tilted neck. I will go out to find a new friend. Am I improving? … my eliminated pigeon toe is a sign! … now, I maintain a straight back throughout each trek. I will be victorious! … I can feel … the end. 122

NEWFOUND CREATIVITY Countless times, I’ve heard others say I’m “nuts.” Yes, I have a damaged brain. So, I’ve got a strong heart. Previously all left-brained, … I now respect writing as an art. … I would’ve considered author-me … a putz. Despite my decreased coordination, I am not a klutz. My wit remains … sharp as a dart. Now, my right brain is just another layer … of my smart- Assedness. … when I face a dilemma, I display my guts. Using my schoolwork as proof, I do very well on tests. Pre-accident A.J. was part of a three-man team: me, myself & I. My buddy & I … were regarded as wrestling pests. … We both went out & gave it our bests. Since I have almost zero shame, … why would I lie?! With my many books, my life has frequent crests! 123



Tanka A TANKA is another Japanese form of poetry that follows a syllable format. This poem is composed of 5 lines. Line 1- 5 syllables Line 2- 7 syllables Line 3- 5 syllables Line 4- 7 syllables Line 5- 7 syllables



PATH OF MY MEMORIES Witness positive- Event. Much time elapses. Store file in my mind. New event triggers recall. Be grateful not negative. 127

CONSUMPTION Swallow saliva. Straighten neck & back … & eyes. Fork food into mouth. Maneuver tongue AROUND said food. Sadly, … there’s no processing. 128

SPARRING Lock no-nonsense stare. Devise game plan how to score: Know own limits. … stay Defensive. … look to counter. Never been in … actual “fight.” 129

… STAY ALWAYS PREPARED Since I looove numbers, … I gather statistics on … e’rything. …Store file. Analyze for future use. … with these facts, … Build confidence. 130

SOCIAL HELP I wanna talk … more … to peeps my age … but better … physical status. I don’t want class or lectures. I’m quite aware I’m chair-bound. 131

MO’ MONEY → MO’ PROBLEMS Before I injured … my brain & both o’ my legs, … I had no long-term … concerns. … now, I worry ‘bout … all too many things & such. 132

TOO MANY HYPOTHETICALS What if I can’t walk?! What if I can never talk?! What if I’m alone … roh-man-tih-kah-lee … for life?! … Conversely, … what if … Success?! 133



Villanelle A Villanelle is a type of poem that contains 5 tercets (3 line stanzas) with ABA rhyme scheme, … followed by 1 quatrain (4 line stanza) with ABAA rhyme scheme.



WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW If I abide by the title, … that’d be a lot. … actually, my specialty’s math. It appears my Mixed Martial Arts days were all for naught. … okay. One current thought … involves my desperate attempt to find my productive path. ‘tis a goal I’ve long sought. Now, my legs seem … as worthless as snot. Going only by name, … I have no footpath. In Fantasyland, I wish extra legs I had bought. I’d rank my current life as a … 3 … on a numerical plot. Without a belle anymore, I have no interest in a sponge bath. I keep commending myself for this battle I’ve fought. To rub my [eventual] triumph in the face of haters? … I ought! I chose to try for the best … in the aftermath. … Hey! I’ve given it a shot! On my life-drawing, my accident was a huge blot! In a nonviolent way, I’m on the [metaphorical] warpath. I try to keep my writing happy, even though my life’s kinda fraught. Sadly, so many people would fail a T.B.I. class I taught. 137

ANYTHING CAN BE A [GOOD] DISTRACTION I’ll find pleasure from many a source. It’s kinda all or nothin’. … there are no parts. Thankfully, I’m creative. So, my glee has numerous sorts! I’ll begin with my infatuation with sports. … with my penchant for stats, I make tons of charts. … I wish I had more cohorts! At my last job, I ran engineering for marine oil ports. Always a left-brained thinker, I never appreciated the arts. As a business professional, I never used to wear shorts. Now, my well-being was aided by … the grace of the courts. Thankfully, those jurors listened to their hearts, Which is about as rare as in a breast augmentation finding some quartz. Jokingly, I applied for new legs. So, I routinely check my imports. (audible sigh) I’m desperately searching for kinetic answers. … it’s like randomly throwing darts. Since I’m almost always indoors, I should never get warts. In high school, I dominated all my book reports! I was big on visualizing flowcharts. My accident was the … most dastardly of torts! Pre-accident, I had been to … four handfuls of airports. 138

I SAID, “GOOD DAY!” I hope y’all enjoyed my poetic NOTES. ‘Twould not be me to dwell in GLOATS. I write somewhat for me, … but mostly for YOU. I’m off to other tales! So, I bid you ADIEU.