Also know as Shakespearian Sonnet because he wrote so many of them.
Iambic pentameter
Rhyme scheme abab cdcd efef gg
After the first eight lines, the theme or point of view should take a turn, a twist (known as a volta).
The final couplet should either summarize the theme of the poem, or give a completely fresh take on the theme.
My Example
Trees At Dusk (Revised)
My solitude sequestered now for night,
the quiet grove of beech becalms the trail
as gentle breeze presages failing light.
The leaves now whisper to the flowers frail.
The flowers brightly colored purple hue
will fade each night when dust turns things to grey.
Tomorrow they’ll again present a view
and scent; renewing nature’s grand bouquet.
Young trees, wattles, used both for fence and fuel,
are shouting out to man, “Tis fertile here!”
Few reach good lumber size for settlers’ tool
or burn them, leaving fertile farmland clear.
Now, man re-forests lands preserving scenes
like this, for now we know just what it means.
Lawrence Eberhart – February 7, 2016