"Slippery" — a sonnet

Photo: "Where, exactly, is the apartment for rent?" by ianqui

This week’s Sunday Scribblings prompt is “slippery.”

I wrote a Shakespearian sonnet about one of Gotham's characters. Perhaps you've already met...

Into Metropolis, I brought with me
My poker face, blank checks and references.
After his moist hand shake, we sped to see
Some properties’ abundant offenses:
A window’s broken glass; burned, melted rugs,
With ceilings extra low; thin plastic walls;
A deli below sent up extra bugs
To feast amongst the dark garbage-strewn halls.
“Such a view — the Empire State Building!”
I squinted, smiled, and told him, “No, it’s not.”
The Chrysler Building stood there tall, laughing
At someone who in his own lies was caught.
I started towards the door, shaking my head
At the day’s worth of slippery I’d been fed.

For more takes on "slippery," visit Sunday Scribblings.

This is a true story, by the way.

Comments

[gautami]

That was a great use of classic form in the modern context. Very well done.

PS: As you are aware, I am sucker for sonnets!

[gautami]

I linked your blog to mine.

[Rob Kistner]

Fun piece Kristin! I am not fan of traditional form, but this worked for me... well done!

[rel]

Kristin,
Until this year I thought only poetry of form was true poetry. This is a sonnet extrodinaire, not only for form but content as well. Was this shyster's name Elm? ;-)
rel

[Writer Bug]

Nice post! I was immediately able to see that slippery character!

[KG]

gautami — Glad you liked it. Yes, I know of your love of sonnets, and you're well-versed in writing them, too. Thanks for the link — I've added you, as well. :)

Rob Kistner — Thanks! I'm not huge on form either, but I love haiku and sonnets. They crystallize my thoughts in just the right way...

rel — This character was so memorable, I do remember his last name. It wasn't Elm, but that would be TOO funny if it were.

Hi Writer Bug — Now that you've "seen" him, I recommend you stay away. ;) Thanks for your visit.

EVERYONE — I'll be over to visit your blogs later today.

[Herb]

Wow, quite the character. Such vivid detail and beautifully told. I am picturing Nick Tortelli from Cheers. How much chest hair did he have showing behind his gold chains?

[KG]

Herb — I love Cheers! Talk about great characters.

No, I saw neither chest hair nor chains. He was dressed in a subtle and casual way, and presented himself very nicely at the start. This made him all the more slippery, of course...

[Patois]

What a great sonnet. I love the modern feel with such an "old" form. And it is such a fun story you tell.

[Tammy]

Fantastic sonnet KG! I have been scared away from trying but you made it seem effortless. You have inspired me to try. Thanks!

[KG]

Patois — Thanks! Glad the most-modern story worked in this form. Makes me wonder if unethical real estate brokers existed during Shakespeare's time. ;)

Tammy — Yes, try a sonnet — see what you get! I'd love to read it if you feel that's OK. :)