The Joys of Wordsmithing

Three English Sonnets in tandem can tell much about a man's process of wordsmithing.

When crafting words becomes the goal full-stop,
we're left to question is this art or pride?
Are candles finished, even without knop?
Are words still blest, if we behind them hide?

Can anyone, today write like the Bard?
Should I attempt this feat or leave alone?
Is poetry still good, if it seems hard?
Are simple words the best to show I've grown?

The Joys of wordsmithing are often known
When poets' hearts are lifted to the sky.
A word salad is sweet as dressing's sown.
Yet boredom for some reader's may be nigh.

The skill of smithing needs be tempered much
with wisdom t'ward the "metal" and by touch.

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The Bard in tragedy dispatched his leads.
Young lovers married, but they 'mooned in death.
The poison showed sad Romeo's last plead,
but sharpened blade took Juliet's last breath.

In comedy, the Bard played Naught's Ado
for Much these leads gave signs to quickly wed.
While Hero's virtue seemed be foiled as true.
Don Claudio wed her "twin" when seemed she dead.

Of comedy, the fool doth show extreme
in Dogberry's or Falstaff's witless words.
Can rolling laughter come by high-toned means?
Or do the actor's faces show what's blurred?

Is Shakespeare greatest wordsmith of them all?
Observe response at Final Curtain Call.

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Hath JOT the gift, that draws the reader in?
It seems from day to day they oft approve.
Can humble he remain with each new win?
Or do reviewers need his forms reprove?

He loves the play with words, that smithy brings,
but do the readers understand his point?
Do tones, and pitch, and clarity, that sing
pour over all he writes with oil's anoint?

Methinks, that I should quickly make this plain.
Some of these verses write as fool in jest,
while others quoth as serious as rain,
that thoughts made strong may be for thee the best.

We write for wordsmithing is quite a Joy.
Emotions pluck as wisdom we employ.

Lines: 42

by Jay O’Toole
on May 27th, 2026