Prompt: Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a “duplex.” A “duplex” is a variation on the sonnet, developed by the poet Jericho Brown. Here’s one of his first “Duplex” poems, and here is a duplex written by the poet I.S. Jones. Like a typical sonnet, a duplex has fourteen lines. It’s organized into seven, two-line stanzas. The second line of the first stanza is echoed by (but not identical to) the first line of the second stanza, the second line of the second stanza is echoed by (but not identical to) the first line of the third stanza, and so on. The last line of the poem is the same as the first.
Poem: Today- A Bliss (‘Duplex’ form)
Que Sera Sera- whatever will be, will be,
revel in the bliss that this moment is
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This moment is what is truly yours,
soaked in the ecstasy of pure love
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Love that sanctifies and defines us all,
a catalyst of new hopes and dreams
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Hope that sheens with the golden orb each day,
a promise of vivacity and exuberance it brings
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Promises that orchestrate the symphony of our hearts,
synchronizing crescendo when rhythm falls short
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Striving to harmonize the rhythm of life,
condoning ‘self’ today, for our tomorrow to shine
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Tomorrow- a mirage; this moment- a blessing
Que Sera Sera- whatever will be, will be!
–
©Vandana Bhasin
27.04.2022
An interesting form. Well done.