Structure and Form.

Sonnets!

That particular form of poetry which is often (well, quite often anyway) associated with Shakespeare (Shall I compare thee to a Summer's day?... etc) have a very specific structure in which they are written, in terms of rhyme, and rhythm. There are of course many other poets who have written, and still write in the sonnet form.

In its most basic construction the sonnet uses 14 lines, and 10 syllables per line, written to sound like the "left right, left right" of a person walking. It's a natural rhythm, and while we might all walk at different speeds, the way we walk, one foot after another, is something we cannot change. Here is a little site with an explanation of sonnets and how they work.

Anyway, the next thing I guess is to look at a sonnet, here's one.

Consent Exchanged

This all-consuming love, which keeps us here

Consent exchanged with ne'er a spoken word

A mutual vision of the life we want to share

Ambition set, and will not be deterred

And like the blacksmith working with his tools

Each day we forge a stronger steel-like bond

Our lives become enriched with dazzling jewels

And further yet, we still must go beyond

The heights of yesterday we will exceed

And ever higher make the power exchange

Our promise this to each we will succeed

And only for the better will we change

And like the heated metal takes its form

Our power exchange is every day reborn

Of course there aren't too many that eulogise about the D/s lifestyle.

Now, the way a sonnet works, as explained, is with a set structure, and although there is some flexibility, the structure must always be there for it to still be called a sonnet. As with any good D/s relationship, there has to be structure, and form. Each party to the relationship, like each line in the sonnet has their place, and each relates in a very specific way to the remainder of the whole. It is important that when setting out on any kind of relationship, that these relationship places are at least discussed, and understood. Open and very honest communication is the answer here, and too few people in this lifestyle either understand or adhere to that.

Yes, we all tell white lies from time time, and we all do things which we are ashamed of ( at least we ought to be!) but if we are basically honest about who we are, what we do, and what we want, then we wont go far wrong. The practice of many in D/s who choose to hide their real selves from others is both dishonest, and self defeating, in my view. Why? because you are what you are, and it's not easy to create a persona that is not based upon the real you, and of course, if you spin a web of lies and deceit eventually that whole thing will come back and bite you in the bum, or worse!

Ohh, and I bet you wondered who wrote the sonnet up there. Well I have to admit it was yours truly. It is one of a series, based upon certain parts and ideals within D/s, and maybe one day I'll have enough to create an anthology of D/s poetry, who knows? If you want to read any more of my poetry, then click the link to my personal site Presence of Mind, which has poetry and thoughts about D/s.

So, structure is important, and maybe the most important thing is that rather like the sonnet, that uses a "natural" rhythm (that of walking) which we all subconsciously understand even if we dont know why, the natural laws of a good D/s relationship are based upon setting a pace which all concerned can both accept, and understand, and in such a way that we only move to the next line when the previous one is perfectly formed, and complete in its rhyme, and rhythm.