Find the names of four famous sonnet writers hidden in the sonnet below, one in each stanza:
THE THIRTY-MINUTE SONNET
“A sonnet’s not so hard a thing to do,”
Our teacher says. “It actually can be fun.
Even novices and knuckleheads like you
May find by trying that it can be done.
“A hundred words’ worth of writing — that’s no
Big deal,” he says. “That’s not so much to wish.
Try using your imagination, though,
Instead of sitting there like frozen fish.
“And if your first attempt is no great shakes,
Peers’ sonnets putting feeble yours to shame,
Remember, practice, class, is what it takes;
And so, you’ve only got yourself to blame.
“We’ll do more sonnets, we’ll do plenty, eh?
Until you all get sick and run away.”
(F.R. Duplantier, 2001)