the pestilence of what you never said
the death of all your withered starving words
I gather ashes from a scattered sentence – bled
I whisper carefully beneath Damocles’ sword
no witnesses can save a gallows bird
I find my solace carving fingernails
I find relief in things that can’t be heard
and from my prison-guards their cackling hails
in court it’s never focus on details
in court your stubborn silence could be bought
see, now on death-row you have tipped the scales
and claiming innocence came down to naught
my final cocktails are prepared too soon
and never more we’ll sit beneath the moon
I have never written a Spenserian sonnet, and I could not avoid taking the chance.
May 1, 2014
Björn Rudbergs writings
Poetry and fiction by a physicist from the dark side
Björn Rudbergs writings 
I don’t comment often on posts; but when I feel something, it should be voiced. You are incredibly talented in my humble opinion. Have a beautiful and inspired day. Belinda
Thank you so much.. we had a challenge writing sonnets.. and I wanted to do a second one…
I enjoy your work period. It’s a privilege to read.
Well-penned and, given events in Oklahoma, topical. I’ve yet to try the Spenserian sonnet … I guess I kind of have to now … smiles
Ha.. Yes you proposed three rhyme schemes.. So I might have to do a Petrarchan sonnet too 😉
pretty sure i have told you before, its what i dont say that scares me more than the things i have said….bjorn the over achiever putting us all to shame…ha….
Fully agree.. Silence is the scariest.
Shattered worlds.
Indeed.
Bravo, Bjorn. This totally has that classical feel to it. I don’t think I’ll have time for this prompt but enjoy the form. May try something even if I don’t post it.
Ah .. I will look for it.. 😉
I thought this was excellent Bjorn, you have captured a real sense of the sonnet and the executioner. Very well done.
Thank you so much. This was a burning issue for me…
What a lovely sonnet form Bjorn ~ 2, you are on fire, smiles ~
Meter is my favorite way to write.. Maybe I should write a book in blank verse.
Wonderful! A full murder mystery, within a poem.
Innocence is indeed a mystery 🙂
A very scary and sad sonnet.
I fully agree – a death penalty is so final..
wow – very cool of tackling the Spenserian sonnet – and the things that are not said sometimes weigh heavier than those said – my fav sonnet form is the italian sonnet.. but maybe should try this one as well someday…
I have only tackled the Italian once.. But maybe I will find time to write a third one… After all Tony managed to build in three prompts into one.
Great empathy…great form…something that bothers me still as well.
Yes – there are too many complications…
Wow, Bjorn! That’s intense. Is that the picture of a head that’s been separated from its body? Scary thoughts.
Good writing though. 🙂
It’s a severed head – yes. I wanted to take a stand…
Fantastic… Wonderful writing
Thank you Di.. 😉
Ooh, dark, my favourite form of writing! Has me in mind of that poor soul on death row who suffered so badly under a new chemical cocktail this week…
yikes! that was definitely an interesting read. it flowed beautifully with a nice bite.
An excellent write yet again Björn.
Anna :o]
Beautiful word craft Bjorn! Not not done so myself!
Hank
This is wonderful and some or the other time, it has to be a first time!
What I know about the history of poetry can be written down on a rather small scrap of paper, but doesn’t this have tones of Poe? I loved how you told a story, and I love the format you put it into. Beautiful! Njut av solskenet idag!
Ah.. I had not thought Poe, but being the horrific theme can to some part be Poe:ish … Maybe on the theme I thought more Milton,, (but I know more like two pages).. ** sitter på balkongen i solen och njuter **
The Spencerian form is intriguing. I’ll have to try it too sometime! I like that you through in a few near rhymes too…breaks things up nicely
You’ve set the standard bar very high, Bjorn. Dark though this poem is, it reads very smoothly and convincingly.
Wonderful in every way, one of my favorites.
Excellent!
:))