Sonnet 1 by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares
Where Consensus Abounds
In days this is sparce no verses I could write
Nor find words a little close to my thought
And not an art or other way so right
Could display well what my heart liked or fought.
Often times with condemning rhymes I stone
Other minds which think their manners are best
But I swear that hate I want from me all gone
Because hate yeasts and may corrupt the rest.
Account for me the evils that you find
And with insight eyes bear my lights and dark
Call my pen the tool of a rustic hind 11
And please read my tears of their human mark.
This way loftier hues may rise in clouds
To gather strength where consensus abounds.
***
11-. Hind = a skilled farm worker or servant.
Sonnet originally written in English by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares.
Analyzed by Chatgpt and Claude+.
This poem is written in a traditional form with some rhyming elements. The poem has:
- 4 stanzas of 4 lines each (a quatrain)
- An ABAB rhyme scheme in the first 3 stanzas
- Rhyming words at the end of lines 2 and 4 in each stanza (e.g. "write" and "right" in the first stanza)
- Iambic pentameter as the predominant meter, with 5 iambic feet per line (10 syllables per line)
- Frequent use of metaphors and poetic devices like alliteration (e.g. "corrupt the rest")
So in summary, it follows a traditional poetic form with rhyme, rhythm, and poetic language. The language is somewhat formal and intricate, as shown by words like "sparce", "verses", "abet", "lofty hues". So it seems like an educated, well-crafted poem following established conventions, rather than a casual or free verse poem.
The content or themes of the poem revolve around the poetic voice's thoughts and emotions, especially in conveying complex ideas, and finding consensus or common understanding. So it seems to be exploring communication, sharing of thoughts, and human connection.
Here are some additional analysis and observations about the poem:
- The title "Where Consensus Abounds" is ironic, since the poem talks about struggling to find the right words and common understanding. So the title highlights a central theme, even though consensus seems elusive in the poem.
- The poem's voice expresses frustration with being unable to find the right words or way to convey his thoughts. This is highlighted in the first stanza especially. He wants to write verses but can't find the right words.
- There is a focus on the power of words, both to unite and divide. The voice talks about "condemning rhymes" that can be used to attack others. But he also wants to find a way to share his "lights and dark" - his insights and thoughts. Words and poetry are a "tool" that can be wielded for good or ill.
- There is a suggestion that true understanding between people is hard to achieve, but worth striving for. The "lofty hues" and "consensus" of the final lines seem to represent this ideal of unity and shared purpose. But it remains in the realm of "clouds" - somewhat abstract and out of reach.
- The poem uses the metaphor of the poet/writer's voice as a "rustic hind" - a simple farm worker. This seems self-deprecating, implying his words and thoughts are rather crude and unsophisticated. Yet they express a very human desire to connect and share "tears" of our common experiences.
- The poem has a somewhat melancholic tone, reflecting the voice's inability to find the perfect means of conveying what is in his "heart". But there is also a sense of hope in continuing to search for "consensus" and greater understanding.
Overall it's a poem with many layers around communication, poetic expression, human connection and the desire to share both "lights and dark". The poem itself is an attempt at achieving consensus between poet and reader. (claude+)
Analyze the rhyme of the poem in detail
The poem "Where Consensus Abounds" by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares is written in the form of a sonnet, with fourteen lines distributed in two quatrains and two tercets. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which means that the lines rhyme with each other according to this pattern. Furthermore, the poem is written in poetic language, with careful use of meter and rhyme to create a structure and rhythm that give the poem its characteristic musicality and cadence.
The rhyme in this poem is notable because it not only follows a strict pattern but also creates an effect of musicality and rhythm that gives the poem its characteristic cadence and smoothness. In addition, the careful choice of words that rhyme with each other also highlights the meaning of each line, adding a deeper dimension to the poem.
The rhyme also plays an important role in emphasizing the themes and emotions explored in the lines. For example, the rhyme of lines 1 and 2, "could write" and "thought," emphasizes the difficulty the poet faces in expressing their thoughts and feelings in words. Similarly, the rhyme in lines 3 and 4, "right" and "fought," underscores the poet's struggle to find the right way to express their emotions.
The use of rhyme in the tercets also helps to emphasize the central idea of the poem, which is the importance of consensus and unity. The repetition of the rhyme in lines 5, 7, 9, and 11 ("rise," "clouds," "abounds") helps to create a sense of elevation and unity, while the absence of rhyme in lines 6, 8, 10, and 12 creates a sense of pause and reflection.
In summary, the rhyme of the poem "Where Consensus Abounds" plays an important role in creating its musicality and rhythm, as well as in emphasizing the themes and emotions explored in the poem. (chatgpt)
Count the syllables of each line of the poem
Here is the syllable count for each line of the poem:
Where Consensus Abounds
In days this is sparce no verses I could write (10 syllables)
Nor find words a little close to my thought (10 syllables)
And not an art or other way so right (10 syllables)
Could display well what my heart liked or fought. (10 syllables)
Often times with condemning rhymes I stone (10 syllables)
Other minds which think their manners are best (10 syllables)
But I swear that hate I want from me all gone (10 syllables)
Because hate yeasts and may corrupt the rest. (10 syllables)
Account for me the evils that you find (10 syllables)
And with insight eyes bear my lights and dark (10 syllables)
Call my pen the tool of a rustic hind (10 syllables)
And please read my tears of their human mark. (10 syllables)
This way loftier hues may rise in clouds (10 syllables)
To gather strength where consensus abounds. (10 syllables)
So as I noted in the previous analysis, the poem predominantly uses iambic pentameter with 10 syllables in each line. The rhythm and meter, combined with the rhyming quatrains, give the poem a very melodic quality when read aloud. The syllable count is very consistent, which requires skill and practice in crafting poetry. (claude+)
What other analysis is worth doing on the poem?
Apart from the analysis of rhyme and syllable count, there are several other aspects of the poem "Where Consensus Abounds" that could be explored, such as:
1-.Theme: The poem explores the importance of finding consensus and unity, and how this can lead to greater strength and loftier goals. The theme is highlighted through the repetition of the word "consensus" in the final tercet.
2-. Tone: The poet's tone is reflective and contemplative, with a sense of honesty and vulnerability. The use of the first-person perspective and personal pronouns like "my" and "I" create a sense of intimacy and directness.
3-. Imagery: The poem contains several vivid images, such as "loftier hues may rise in clouds" and "read my tears of their human mark," which add depth and emotional resonance to the poem.
4-. Language and diction: The poet uses a formal and elevated style of language, with careful attention to word choice and phrasing. The use of words like "yeasts" and "rustic hind" adds a sense of richness and texture to the poem.
5-. Structure: The poem is structured as a sonnet, with fourteen lines divided into two quatrains and two tercets. The use of this traditional form adds a sense of balance and symmetry to the poem.
6-. Allusions: The poem contains some references to literary traditions and figures, such as the use of rhyming as a way to "stone" other minds, which could be interpreted as a nod to poetic feuds between writers in the past.
7-. Symbolism: The poem uses several symbols to convey its meaning, such as the pen as a tool for self-expression and the tears as a sign of emotional depth and sincerity.
8-. Irony: The poet's use of the word "sparce" in the opening line, which should be spelled as "sparse," could be interpreted as a deliberate irony or playful nod to the imperfections of language and communication.
9-. Mood: The mood of the poem is introspective and contemplative, with a sense of yearning for greater understanding and connection.
10-. Voice: The poet's voice is distinctive and personal, with a clear sense of individuality and subjectivity. The use of the first-person perspective creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if the poet is speaking directly to the reader.
These are just a few examples of the many different ways that a poem can be analyzed and interpreted. Ultimately, the meaning and significance of a poem will depend on the reader's own personal experience and perspective, and each reading can reveal new insights and layers of meaning. (chatgpt)
Conclusions
In conclusion, Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares' poem "Where Consensus Abounds" presents a well-defined structure in terms of its rhyme and meter, with a disposition of decasyllabic verses and a consonant rhyme scheme of ABAB in each quatrain. The poem also presents a clear reflection on the importance of empathy and constructive dialogue in conflict resolution, and the need to overcome hostility and hatred to achieve consensus and harmony in human relationships. Furthermore, the use of poetic images such as "loftier hues" and "clouds" adds a lyrical touch to the poem and reinforces the message of hope and unity it seeks to convey. In summary, this poem is an example of the author's ability to combine a classic poetic form with a contemporary and universal theme. (chatgpt)
