effigy

the technique of pulling language

The sestina has got to be my favorite form. Or a close second or third. It's a challenging form that capitalizes on word play and magnifies the versatility of language. I wrote my first sestina in honor of someone who was born in the same campus hospital room as I (5 days apart), and who became a friend when we bumped into each other at college two decades later.

I haven't written a sestina in a while and would like to attempt another. Can you find the pattern and try one of your own?

IRON GRIP
April 1997

When I first met you, I wasn't certain
what you were or that you would have a part
in the building of me. You know it takes
more than externals. Now I can’t forget
that strangers learn to speak the same language
and find that they were born in the same place.

And find that they both seek the same place.
when you know some people, you are certain
you’ve waited your life to meet them. Language
(French class) introduced us, and apart
from you, your influence, I might forget
all I learned. To be a fluent friend takes

Practice. You’re of the race that makes mistakes.
You leave umbrellas, lose books and misplace
your watch. Those things are easy to forget.
You’ve never left, lost, misplaced me. Certain
obligations take up the première part
of your calendar. Not only language

Talks. The technique of pulling language
from the heart's well of words: whatever takes
preeminence in your heart is the part
of your life that's real. You must give first place
to things that last. And I remain certain
you'll write a book that no one will forget.

By example, forbid me to forget
my focus. Teach me well the old language
heard when iron sharpens iron. Certain
people block my vision. Every one takes
a magnifying or obstructing place,
and you’re a lens. To sharpen is your part.

We will not part, and yet we will depart.
We'll travel to foreign fields and forget
trivial college joys. We must leave this place
and dwell with strangers again. Language
must be relearned, however long it takes.
But grace will continue; that is certain.

Reunion is certain, though our paths may part.
Wherever the Lord takes you, do not forget
the Colossian language, or the Peniel place.

Posted by joydriven at April 2, 2004 08:05 AM | TrackBack