WoPoLi

About 35 Sonnets for the 21st Century

The poetry in 35 Sonnets for the 21st Century by Sarah B. Royal is a contemporary exploration of the sonnet form. Inspired by Fernando Pessoa’s 35 Sonnets (1918), Sarah’s collection both honors and reimagines the sonnet tradition. She incorporates a variety of sonnet styles, including Shakespearean, Petrarchan, Curtal, Kyrielle, Terza Rima, Modern, and Stretched sonnets, pushing the boundaries of traditional structures while maintaining the emotional depth and introspective nature of the form.

The themes in her sonnets cover love, loss, faith, identity, and philosophical reflection. Some sonnets present personal longing and spiritual questioning, while others delve into the complexities of relationships, self-discovery, and existential contemplation. Sarah’s approach often involves breaking conventional rules to adapt the sonnet to modern experiences, demonstrating her technical mastery and willingness to innovate.

Throughout the collection, readers will encounter both strict formal adherence and experimental variations, reflecting the dynamic relationship between poetic tradition and contemporary voice. The poems offer a nuanced dialogue between past and present, inviting reflection on universal human experiences.

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About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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