A MODERN SONNET

If I described you as old Shakespeare did,
Producing all the props that one expects,
Sun, moon and stars, the flash of an eyelid
Trembling the earth – that you, in all respects,
Were cataclysmic, cosmic, all the rest,
If I descanted on your thrilling voice,
Compared all beauties, rating you the best,
League tables, prizes, cups, rosettes, the choice
Of all the phone-lines, all the people’s votes
Selecting you, you, you, beyond all reach,
The face that launched a thousand paper boats
Your name and mobile written down on each –
If I did that: then say, where would you be?
The writing’s mine. Who’s great? It’s me, me, me!


I wrote this while another teacher was teaching a Year 7 class about Shakespeare's sonnets. At the end of the lesson, I read it out, and the class gave me a round of applause.

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