Sine Labhore Nihil

Stress matrix sonnet invented by a friend of mine, and bloody tough to write!

These mortal shackles keep us bound, and firmly in one place,
hope is fleeting, slipping aquiline through open fingers.
I dreamt that freedom called upon my door and kissed my face,
happiness surpassed the guilt that often stays and lingers.

The victors in their suits of blue and papers marked in red,
served their dutiful dismissive justice on my conscience,
the streets, which welcomed me with open arms returned, no bed
cold and hard the ground, a stand to test my weak resilience
no comprehension how this came to be, what could be said?
Words fell mute on deafened ears, appeals ripped at my constance

The winds that winter whipped my furrowed brow with discontent
frigid stagnancy I loathed to breathe a minute longer.
My only crime was being far too poor to pay the rent
Systems fail the weak who only dream of getting stronger.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A powerful poem. Could expand. A lot of hidden story in this poem. Ain't easy for anyone today. I like the strong statements and purpose for this poem.
"The winds that winter whipped my furrowed brow with discontent
frigid stagnancy I loathed to breathe a minute longer."
Thank you for a amazing poem.
Coyote

[Richard Williams]

Fine words, fine-honed structure with descriptive aplomb. The application of generalities to dynamic personification is well done.

[M Garcia]

Very impressive. I am favoriting this.

[Dan]

I am really glad I took a break from this site - simply because I am now enjoying reading more than ever. This is - again - brilliant. the last four lines ring heavily true with me. x

[Christi Moon]

Shan--
You have really nailed the form with this well crafted Checkered Sonnet.
This is my favorite... I can really feel the sense of loss and frustration.

[Ruth]

I am literally out of words! lol I can see why this would be hard to write, each line melts wonderfully into the next..this is art! xx