Sonnet 61 by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares
Listening To Life's calls
To life's highest summits we are welcome
And we answer its calls as we grow old
Finding a completion at the threshold
of that universe our mind can become.
Numerous people behind us may come
With good ideas of truth they behold
Supporting weaknesses they always hold
In need of leadership to overcome.
Sometimes it only takes a soft zephyr
To push our bark and find the rich Ophir 10
That has been left for us by kings of thought.
But other times we need to look around
And search places where nothing has been found
Faring paths through the ages we forgot.
***
10-. bark = sailboat.
10-. Ophir = a land rich in gold.
Sonnet written by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares. Analyzed by GPT4 and www.howmanysyllables.com
Image by Leonardo.ai
Copyright 1989
Analysis of "Listening To Life's calls"
Sonnet 61 by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares, titled "Listening To Life's Calls," is a contemplative piece that explores the themes of personal growth, self-discovery, leadership, and the pursuit of wisdom. The sonnet follows the traditional Shakespearean structure, consisting of three quatrains and a concluding couplet.
In the first quatrain, the speaker suggests that as we age, we are welcomed to life's highest summits, symbolizing the attainment of wisdom and understanding. The speaker also introduces the idea of the mind as a universe, suggesting the limitless potential for growth and discovery within ourselves.
The second quatrain introduces the concept of leadership and the importance of supporting others in their journey. The speaker suggests that many people may follow us, carrying their own truths and weaknesses, and they may need guidance to overcome their challenges.
In the third quatrain, the speaker uses the metaphor of a soft zephyr pushing our bark to find the rich Ophir, symbolizing the gentle nudges of life that guide us towards wisdom and enlightenment. The "kings of thought" could refer to great thinkers or philosophers whose wisdom has been left for us to discover.
The concluding couplet emphasizes the importance of exploration and rediscovery. The speaker encourages us to search in places where nothing has been found and to tread paths forgotten by time, suggesting the value of curiosity and the pursuit of forgotten or overlooked wisdom.
The sonnet is written in iambic pentameter, following the ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme scheme typical of Shakespearean sonnets. The language is formal and poetic, with a contemplative and encouraging tone. The sonnet uses rich imagery and metaphor to convey its themes, making it a thought-provoking and inspiring piece. (GPT4)
Analyze the rhyme of the sonnet in detail
Sonnet 61 by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares follows the traditional Shakespearean sonnet rhyme scheme, which is ABABCDCDEFEFGG.
Here's how the rhyme scheme works in this sonnet:
A: welcome (1)
B: old (2)
A: threshold (3)
B: become (4)
C: come (5)
D: behold (6)
C: hold (7)
D: overcome (8)
E: zephyr (9)
F: Ophir (10)
E: thought (11)
F: found (12)
G: around (13)
G: forgot (14)
The sonnet is composed of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final rhymed couplet. Each quatrain has its own distinct rhyme scheme, and the final two lines (the couplet) rhyme with each other. This structure allows for a clear progression of thought, with each quatrain introducing a new idea or perspective, and the final couplet providing a summarizing or concluding thought.
The use of the ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme scheme in Sonnet 61 helps to create a sense of harmony and balance in the poem. The consistent rhyme pattern adds to the sonnet's formal and structured nature, enhancing the overall musicality and flow of the poem. (GPT4)
Count the syllables of each line of the poem (www.howmanysyllables.com)
Listening To Life's calls
10 To life's highest summits we are welcome
10 And we answer its calls as we grow old
10 Finding a completion at the threshold
10 Of that universe our mind can become.
10 Numerous people behind us may come
10 With good ideas of truth they behold
10 Supporting weaknesses they always hold
10 In need of leadership to overcome.
10 Sometimes it only takes a soft zephyr
10 To push our bark and find the rich Ophir
10 That has been left for us by kings of thought.
10 But other times we need to look around
10 And search places where nothing has been found
10 Faring paths through the ages we forgot.
***
Analyze the aspects that have yet to be analyzed in Sonnet 61
While we have discussed the themes, rhyme scheme, and structure of Sonnet 61 by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares, there are a few more aspects that can be analyzed, such as its use of imagery, metaphor, and tone.
1-. Imagery: The sonnet is rich in imagery, which helps to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. For instance, "life's highest summits" in the first line symbolizes the pinnacle of personal growth and wisdom. The "universe our mind can become" in the fourth line represents the limitless potential of the human mind. The "soft zephyr" and "rich Ophir" in the ninth and tenth lines conjure up an image of a gentle breeze guiding a sailboat towards a land of gold, symbolizing the journey towards wisdom and enlightenment.
2-. Metaphor: The sonnet uses metaphor to convey complex ideas and emotions. The metaphor of the "soft zephyr" pushing our "bark" to find the "rich Ophir" suggests the idea of being gently guided by life towards wisdom and enlightenment. The "kings of thought" in the eleventh line could be a metaphor for great thinkers or philosophers whose wisdom we seek.
3-. Tone: The tone of the sonnet is contemplative and encouraging. The speaker encourages the reader to answer life's calls, to support others in their journey, and to seek wisdom and enlightenment. The speaker also reassures the reader that sometimes it only takes a gentle push to guide us towards our destination.
4-. Language and Diction: The language used in the sonnet is formal and poetic, which is typical of traditional sonnets. The choice of words such as "zephyr," "Ophir," and "kings of thought" adds a layer of depth and sophistication to the poem.
5-. Meter: Like most traditional sonnets, Sonnet 61 is written in iambic pentameter, which means each line consists of five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables. This rhythmic pattern gives the sonnet a steady and harmonious flow. (GPT4)
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