The Shadow Sonnet was created by Amera M. Andersen, may be written in any sonnet style. The Shadow takes place at the beginning and ending of each line as the words are identical or homophonic. Since all poetry was originally meant to be sung or recited out loud, homophonic words are acceptable, these are words that sound alike such as “see and sea”. (Rules: 14 lines, 9 or 10 syllables per line. The poem should have a volta or pivit; iambic pentameter is not necessary.)

Example #1:

Spirit to Spirit

So many things have turned my spirit so.
Yet I do resist and yield to it yet.
Know that I give my strength for you to know.
Forget you? Nay, I shall never forget.

Left with my sandpaper dreams since you left.
Love lies in my spirit, for you my love.
Theft of your presence is not spirit theft.
Above all my dreams, I hold you above.

You now have returned, I knew it was you.
Waiting so long as my heart was waiting;
few have returned, yet you're one of the few.
Aching for you as my soul was aching.

War takes so many; yet, you've beaten war.
Door of my spirit, come enter my door.

Copyright © 2007 Amera M. Andersen

Example #2:

Soul to Soul

Listen to my call O' dear one, listen
Spirit sweetly calling to your spirit
So desperate for your loving touch so,
Soul inhaling another precious soul

Love divinely rescues our souls, my love
Worry nevermore my dear, no more worry
Cry a heartfelt prayer, answer thee, I cry.
Dream realm playmates enhance the sweet, sweet dream

Forever remains true, truly returned forever
Waited so long as both our hearts  patiently waited
Joined tenderly by the spirit we are joined
Tears from the heart seasoned our love, tender tears

Battles started  fear, hope to end battles
Listen to my call O' dear one, listen.

Copyright © 2007 Kristin Roth-Davis

Example #3:

Love

Love, show me how you will give me your love
Paint promises forever with pale paint
Of all the men, you are so giving of
Taint me not, your love for me shall not taint

Praise my soul to your goddess of sweet praise
Light up my eyes with your soul's bright white light
Gaze into the windows of my soul, gaze
Sight of the gifted, Your love gave me sight

You came to me swiftly, I went to you
I held onto your heart, 'twas only I
True love has to comfort lies you told true
Cry unto harsh never, for tears I cry

Within now and ever love lies within
Sin of your kiss leaves me drowning in sin

Copyright © 2007 Sara Filaree Mullins