Welcome to the world of John Boase sonnets!

A sonnet makes a delightfully unique gift! Let me write one for you, to your specification. I'd love to! I write them all the time for friends' birthdays, anniversaries and so on. Let me illustrate with some that I have written recently.

Close friends celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. The husband asked me for a sonnet.

Wedding Anniversary
by John Boase
2004

My darling Jenny, can it really be
That we were married forty years ago?
I swear you are more beautiful to me
Than when you walked the aisle, your face aglow.
School sweethearts, we were meant to share our life,
Head over heels in love, we knew we'd wed;
At twenty-two I took you for my wife,
And carried you with passion to our bed.
We've reared four children, followed our careers,
Led busy lives, known times both smooth and rough;
We've shared elation, satisfaction, tears,
Our love has kept us strong when things got tough.
Two grandkids now, a lovely girl and boy,
A new fulfilment for us to enjoy.

The husband had this framed for his wife and visitors to read. It takes pride of place in their home.

The next sonnet arose from a chance conversation in a bar at Melbourne Airport. A young American had become smitten by an Aussie girl he had met. I suggested he send her a sonnet of proposal, an idea that worked out well for him.

A Proposal of Marriage
by John Boase
2006

I'm sending this proposal from the air,
From QANTAS 301, direct LA;
At thirteen thousand metres I declare
That I will cherish, honour and obey.
I cannot think of anything but you!
You've taken over body, soul and mind!
I'm sending this, encouraged by the crew,
Proposing that our lives should be entwined.
How fortunate I feel that we have met!
Dear god how droll, an airport taxi line!
We shared a cab, sweet Jill I can't forget
Your wit, your laugh, your eyes, your smile divine.
I'll ring you - please say yes! - from my hotel,
Please transport me to heaven from this hell.

I wrote the next sonnet for a couple who have everything. I chose to write it to their beloved Russian terrier, enclosing a picture of Sophie and her canine friend Matilda. The couple had never received a present like it! They had sonnet and picture framed for their magnificent home. Visitors comment on it constantly.

Thanks for a Wonderful Time
by John Boase
2006

Dear Sophie, Russian belle, how's it with you?
We really did enjoy your company
In lovely Stowe, and what a stunning view!
Could there be more exquisite scenery?
In Mattie you have such a lively friend!
We watched you romp and gambol in the snow;
Such energy the two of you expend!
You race about, you never seem to slow.
Please give our thanks to Michael and to Jane,
(You have them living with you, we perceive);
Their hospitality will long remain,
We shared their world and didn't want to leave.
When to this sunny clime they choose to roam,
They'll be most welcome in our Aussie home.

What does one give a dear friend on her 60th? Answer: a sonnet crafted for her.

To Rus on her 60th
by John Boase
2005

Congenial, a sparkling zest for life,
A twinkle always present in her eye;
Successful teacher, loving mum and wife,
Her ageing she continues to defy.
By birth a Brit but we've forgiven her,
Acknowledging she didn't have a choice;
Though with an Aussie accent we prefer
The warmth of her alluring, sexy voice.
Enthusiastic walker, fit and svelte,
Each Christmas in 'Messiah' she is heard;
Compassionate, injustice keenly felt,
Perceptive, shrewd yet feisty when she's stirred.
Enjoy your birthday celebration, Rus,
Best wishes, love, dear friend, from both of us.

And now to something totally different, just to show how widely applicable the sonnet is. I wrote this sonnet at the request of an old friend who had recently lost his wife to cancer. He sat and talked to me of her then spontaneously asked me to put his feelings into words for him, hence this sonnet which he treasures.

My Sweet, Sweet Love
by John Boase
2001

I laid my love to rest the other day,
In prime of life, she was too young to go;
I loved that woman! Nothing that I say
Could ever hope to tell the grief I know.
It's like I've turned into an empty shell,
There's emptiness where feelings used to be;
A solitary, lonely, private hell,
A void of nothingness, futility.
At night the bed is cold, I cannot sleep,
Familiar things in turmoil in my mind;
I miss the steady sound of breathing deep,
The warmth of loving bodies close entwined.
Earth freshly turned, bird songs, the blooms of spring,
My sweet, sweet love, you were my everything.

Night Feed

The next sonnet I wrote for a new mum, her first child. She wanted me to put in words her experience of a night feed with her new baby. I understand she will give her son the sonnet at his 18th birthday.

Night Feed
by John Boase
2000

Two sleepy souls, big armchair, softened light,
Sweet rosebud lips draw from my brimming breast;
My babe and I, together in the night,
At peace, my skin by tiny hand caressed.
Dear little fellow, snuggling into me,
Long lashes, gentle smile, face smooth as silk;
Small fingers curling, grasping tenderly,
Soft suckling sounds, warm smell of babe and milk.
Our handsome boy, your whole life lies ahead,
I wonder who you’ll be and what you’ll do;
I kiss the downy softness of your head,
Rejoicing in the flow from me to you.
Grow strong my son in spirit, body, mind,
Contentment, love, fulfilment may you find.

Want a sonnet written for someone special?

Here's how to go about it.

* email me at ecrivain@ihug.com.au if you want further information or you wish to commission a sonnet. Write "sonnet request" in the subject line.

* The cost is AUD$75 + postage, payable by cheque or money order. I do not have a credit card facility.

* I will produce your sonnet within 10 days of receiving your information. Please allow sufficient posting time when giving me your information.

* Please provide sufficient information. More about this when we correspond.

* I will require a disclaimer from you that the sonnet will not be used to embarrass, humiliate or defame the recipient.

* I will print your sonnet on good quality paper, 3 copies, and post it to you in a regulation cardboard postage cylinder.

I look forward to hearing from you and to crafting a sonnet especially for someone of significance in your life.

You might also like to check my book's web site: EROTIC MUSE : Sonnets about Sex. 1200 sonnets about humanity's favourite pastime.

John Boase