Theme: Ghost of Autumn
"Autumn’s Embrace"
The ghost of autumn drifts through fading light,
With russet leaves that flutter soft and slow.
Each whisper carries summer's waning flight,
As shadows stretch and nights begin to grow.
The crisp, cold air breathes life into the trees,
Their branches bare, yet somehow full of grace.
The scent of earth, a memory on the breeze,
Reminds the soul of time's unhurried pace.
Yet in the dusk, a sorrow lingers near,
A quiet mourning for what must depart.
But beauty lives within this final cheer,
As autumn paints the canvas of the heart.
Sonnet Writing Contest Winner
Morgiana
"Phantoms of the Fading Season"
Upon the winds‚ the autumn phantoms glide‚
Their whispered voices‚ soft as dying leaves.
Through golden woods‚ where fading echoes hide‚
They dance in silence‚ casting gentle grieves.
The trees stand bare‚ their limbs in mournful sway‚
As shadows stretch beneath the amber sky.
The sun‚ now weak‚ begins to fade away‚
And in the dusk‚ the spirits linger by.
Their footsteps leave no trace upon the ground‚
Yet every rustle holds a tale untold.
In autumn’s breath‚ the ghosts of time are found‚
Their fleeting forms like dreams of pale and gold.
So listen close when twilight casts its spell—
For autumn’s ghosts in secret shadows dwell.
Sonnet Writing Contest 1st Runner Up
Yukimiya Kenyu
"Echoes of Autumn"
As golden leaves drift gently from the tree,
The echoes of the past knock on my heart.
It brings a warmth of times when life felt free;
I smiled bitterly, wishing to restart.
We often look forward to summer's breeze,
But find our fragile hearts burned by its flame.
The world’s loud hum, like swarming, restless bees,
Drowns out the quiet dreams we cannot name.
It's the calm and peace we seek, isn't it?
Like sipping coffee on an autumn day,
Warming our hearts, though just a little bit,
To face the seasons' change without dismay.
Life is a journey of different seasons,
Like autumn's glow, fading for quiet reasons.
Sonnet Writing Contest 2nd Runner Up
Phosphophyllite
Top 5
"Unraveling the Phantom of Autumn"
Amidst the season of melancholy,
Where the flower of joy calmly withers,
The phantom in my heart slithers slowly,
Failing to fend, I shatter to splinters,
Held captive by the memories I fear,
Deeming myself undeserving of love,
A silent scream that only I can hear,
Although forlorn, I set my sights above,
The absence of warmth is felt even more,
Phantom of fall, your reign is soon over,
You're a horror I must face, not abhor
To bid farewell to the days of somber,
You were bittersweet 'til the very last,
Your true form unveiled; regrets from the past.
Sonnet Writing Contest Top 4
Kurokawa Akane
"The Painter's Lament In Autumn"
Canvas and brush doth paint her beauteous face
Once vibrant and bright, now thy color's fade
Leaves do falling like sorrow tears sans grace
Branches strong-hand thy withered and jade
Sable's soft touch bore me to epoch past
Persephone's marketh summer's warmth to end
Gazing fireflies aloft, thus shall our last?
Thus Phoebus' dream bids thee farewell, dear friend
Behold! Thy portrait mingle shade and tone
Autumn's breeze whisper mirkly in mine ear
Mighty sun's ray petrified in stone
Shadow's waltz in moonbeam doth strike fear
Mine heart doth ache, thy face coat by gray's taint
Albeit nature's mystic draws me to paint
Sonnet Writing Contest Top 5
Mina Ashiro
Top 8
"Glistening Star"
Ravishing beauty, thou dost shine so bright,
Radiant eyes dazzle like the morning dew,
A glistening star doth illume the night,
And in thy touch, my heart doth sing anew.
Thy lips, they curve in the dearest, gentle smile
That doth entice and captivate my soul,
In thy embrace, I find my peaceful isle,
Where love and triumph do make my heart whole.
But oh, fair maid, how fleeting art thou here,
For time doth steal thee from mine eager sight,
Memories fondly regarded, so dear
And longing's ache, that doth afflict my heart.
Yet still, I'll cherish every fleeting glance
And in thy love, find sweet, pure romance.
Sonnet Writing Contest Top 8
Uzumaki Karin
"Echoes of the Harvest Moon"
Upon the trees, the leaves like whispers fall,
In hues of gold, they dance on autumn's breath,
The chill of dusk, a soft and haunting call,
As daylight wanes, it speaks of life and death.
The harvest moon, a lantern in the night,
Illuminates the paths where shadows creep,
Each rustling leaf, a memory in flighting,
Of summers past, now buried deep in sleeping.
Yet in this ghostly beauty, hope there remains,
For every end, a promise to renew,
The cycle spins, as nature heart regains,
A vibrant pulse beneath the skies of blues.
So let us walk where autumn's spirit glows,
And find the peaceful that in its stillness flows.
Sonnet Writing Contest Top 8
Kaede Rukawa
Other Entries
You can check on - https://www.facebook.com/groups/shounengakuen/permalink/593040006414038
Soothe your senses and imagination. You can now show us your way with words using a pen and paper. We look forward to reading your version of "Easy to read words with deeper meaning."
Theme: The Ghost of Autumn
(Inviting reflections on the beauty and melancholy of the season, memories of the past, the transition of nature, or the mysterious aspects of Autumn or Fall season.)
Mechanics:
1. This contest is open to any member of Shounen Gakuen (one entry is allowed per member.)
2. The sonnet you will submit must have a title and should be about or related to the theme provided.
3. The sonnet should be in the Shakespearean style and must follow the ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme. Each line must be in iambic pentameter (10 syllables per line).
4. It can be in either English or Filipino.
5. The author should submit an original work and not a translated or copycat of any published work.
6. Any instances of plagiarism or using AI script caught will merit deductions or disqualification of the member from the contest.
7. Once done, you can comment on your entry in the comment section of this FB post on or before November 23, 2024, 11 PM, together with the following format:
Name:
Division:
#SGSonnetWriting
Title:
(Your Sonnet)
NOTE: Posting your entries earlier will be an advantage in getting more reactions. You can ask your questions on the designated FAQ section.
REMINDER: Once the entry is posted, the entry is not allowed to be edited or reuploaded in the FB group without the permission of the Higher Order. You can take advantage of the Reply button instead.
Criteria for judging:
Adherence to Format: 30%
Creativity and Originality: 25%
Emotional Impact: 25%
Use of Language and Imagery: 20%