Restrictions

Amid controversy of his true name
There is another question unanswered:
Wherefore did our Shakespeare choose to employ
Iambic pentameter for his work?
"Such a burden," the novices exclaim,
"Shackled with this meter unnatural."

They seem convinced his greatness came in spite
Of the restrictions he placed on his words
But I contend his greatness came because
Of the aforementionéd rules so strict
That pulled from him the very best of what
Swam 'round inside that mental sea so deep

'Tis true necessity is the mother
Of all man hath yet seen fit to invent
It follows then that greater need should yield
Still greater fruits of creativity
And when such need does not itself take root
Creation must grow under stones we set.

Beauty in chess does not arise from the
Pieces themselves, black and white ivory
Nor from artistic arrangements thereof
Instead, beauty comes from the minds of those
Who masterfully shift their brave soldiers
Without defying the game's ancient rules

And this is why I do not advocate
Compositions music'ly profligate
The man who seeketh not to deviate:
Who knows what worlds he shall in time create?

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Week 17 total: 21 hours
Grand total: 420 hours
Required pace: 327 hours (+93)