Mar 1, 2010

Sonnets for Sinners by John Wareham


John Wareham's Sonnets for Sinners is a book of poems I would recommend to those who enjoy reading sonnets, who love poetry, and those who are just starting to read poetry.  Wareham includes the classic sonnets of William Shakespeare and William Yeats, but he also crafts new sonnets from the words (available in the public domain) of famous figures, like Tiger Woods (click to read the poem Wareham created from Woods' words), Elizabeth and John Edwards, and Princess Diana.

What's most unique about this volume is the insight provided by Wareham.  He analyzes each poem, offers up lines that illustrate his examinations, and even poses questions that illicit laughter.

Discussing Shakespeare's Sonnet 129:  "To begin with, says the poet, sinners bypass rationality -- past reason hunted -- then, the moment the lusty act is completed they unreasonably despise themselves -- past reason hated -- for succumbing to a swallowed bait on purpose laid to make the taker mad.  The devil made me do it!"  (Page 11)

Sonnets for Sinners is broken down, categorizing sonnets into attractions, fevers, lamentations, farewells, endings, and epiphanies.  For anyone interested in reading more poetry, particularly classic sonnets and classic poets, readers would enjoy the commentary from Wareham.  It is not only informative, but witty.   

Kind Cuts by Chandler Haste (page 66)

"I don't want to hurt or abandon you
-- so what to do?" you ask.  Well maybe first
drop me into a pot of boiling glue
then have a witch doctor apply a curse.
Or when that fails and I rise in pursuit
of you, have a firebug set me aflame.
Or cut out my tongue and render me mute
then poke out my eyes and publish my shame.
Or, here's aptly felicitious fate
for this hopelessly addicted lover:
Bobbitting!  -- that could be the kindest bite
to slice me out from under your thumb of.
Off the top of my head that's my advice,
Bow to it gently, and in love, rejoice.

Despite the mix of contemporary and classic sonnets, I think there is enough in here to count for the contemporary poetry challenge, and this makes book #13.
This is my 1st book for the Clover Bee & Reverie Poetry Challenge.
This is my 12th new-to-me author for the 2010 New Authors Challenge.









FTC Disclosure:  I received a free copy of Sonnets for Sinners by John Wareham from publicist Sara Hausman at Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc.  Clicking on title links or images will bring you to my Amazon Affiliate page; No purchase necessary.

5 comments:

Anna said...

Bobbitting? LOL

Sounds like a unique and entertaining collection.

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Jenners said...

I like the mix of modern reference and humor in the poems you've shared by him.

Jeanne said...

I haven't been instantly enchanted with the poems you've shown me from this volume, but am warming up to this one because of the line "off the top of my head..."!

Valerie said...

Looks like I'd enjoy this volume! Does the poet provide background information on the "sinners" for people who might not be familiar with the people or situation behind each sonnet?

Serena said...

Valerie: Absolutely. He provides little background blurbs on each contributor in the back of the book and a bit of his own background in the introduction. Its a well-rounded volume.