From: petersm@CSOS.ORST.EDU (Marguerite Petersen)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc,alt.startrek.creative
Subject: TNG - Shakespearean Sonnets
Date: 30 May 1994 04:04:13 GMT

Okay, now that *some* of the excitement about the Finale has slowed down
a bit, I thought that I would post my small tribute to the Star Trek
characters as created by Gene Roddenberry. For those of you who have
been around awhile, you might remember my previous posting of Sonnets
to the Classic Trek Crew.

These are written as Shakespearean Sonnets and as acrostics as well.
For those who don't know what an acrostic is, the first letter of each
line spells out the title.

Why would I do this? Well, I am a sucker for punishment and figured
if I was going to write *something*, it might as well be the most
difficult thing I could imagine. :-) Besides, once I got started
on these things (via a contest sponsored by Isaac Asimov a looong time
ago), I found myself adicted to them. It is also my way of saying
Thank You to the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

These are not meant in anyway to infringe on any copyrights or
trademarks held by Paramount.



CAPTAIN J. PICARD
----------------------------------

Commanding voice rings out "Worf, hold your fire."
As enemies have them in jeopardy,
Puts everything on hold and then retires
To calmly drink a cup of Earl Grey tea.

And if there is a problem to be solved,
Input from all his officers demands.
No matter just how many are involved
Jean-Luc is still the one who's in command.

Propriety may make him seem quite dull.
Instead of action, he's a thinking man.
Can often get inside another's skull
And figure out just what might be their plan.

Revere with me this Captain, loyal, true.
Diplomacy must be our future too.

(c) December 28, 1992
Marguerite K.A. Petersen

COMMANDER RIKER
----------------------------------------------

Command of all is just a seat away
Of this he simply has to be aware.
Much to be learned before that future day
Meanwhile he keeps an eye on Captain's chair.

And if at times he seems a bit too gruff
No one can fault him for he really tries.
Despite a walk suggesting that he's tough
Expect a twinkling sparkle in his eyes.

Responsive to a lot of women, yet
Respectful, sensitive; a New Age guy
Intelligent and still he does neglect
Kinship with his Imzadi, standing by.

Especially in matters of the heart
Riker and Kirk are centuries apart.

(c) April 30, 1994
Marguerite K.A. Petersen

SCIENCE OFFICER
-------------------------------------------------

Serious, he never cracks a smile
Calculates unto the nth degree
Intent on being quite precise; meanwhile
Everyone is groaning inwardly.

Noonian created him one day,
Capable, creative, competent.
Empiricist himself, he chose this way
Of running ultimate experiment.

Fine addition to the Starfleet crew
Few resist his open, childlike charm.
In his search for human feelings, you
Can only hope he'll never come to harm.

Expected just another robot plan
Realize that Data is a man.

(c) May 2, 1994
Marguerite K.A. Petersen

LIEUTENANT WORF
----------------------------------------------

Lest any think that he is not much use
I caution all, consider inner strength.
Especially when under much abuse.
Underlying message; note hair length.

This Klingon, Terran raised, from alien world
Exterior demeanor, bony, ridged,
No matter how he tries, he will be hurled
About by circumstances; he's the bridge.

No little matter is his growing son.
To him, a great responsibility.
With help from others, battle will be won
Offering his love, security.

Resounding cry of "Bravo!" True vanguard
For Peace. Hold Warrior Worf in high regard.

(c) May 1, 1994
Marguerite K.A. Petersen

ENGINEER GEORDI
--------------------------------------------------

Especially gregarious when with
None other than his artificial friend.
Gives credence that it's expertise, not myth
In solving complex problems, he transcends.

None can help but notice he is blind
Embraced by science and technology.
Especially when he makes up his mind
Resplendent, he sees more than you or me.

Geordi never seems to get the girl
Except the ones within his fantasy.
Obvious what sets his heart awhirl
Real love for engines takes priority.

Depend on him to always make things go.
Industrious, he always makes it so.

(c) May 14, 1994
Marguerite K.A. Petersen

DOCTOR B. CRUSHER
------------------------------------------

Dependable and capable, that's clear
Our CMO is torn nevertheless.
Competing with her job, she tries to rear
Tumultuous teen and save the ship from Wes.

Of late in exercising gear she's still
Rare beauty. She is simply not the norm.
Bests the others in her dancing skill
Coerces all to entertain, perform.

Renders the Captain speechless now and then
Until he doesn't know just where he stands.
She hasn't made her mind up, if or when
Her memories too vivid. They're just friends.

Expect this gorgeous redhead to be more
Resiliant Beverly, there's much in store.

(c) May 14, 1994
Marguerite K.A. Petersen

COUNSELOR D. TROI
-------------------------------------------

Caring for the crew's internal balance
Oft sensing what another may just feel.
Unsympathetic, some may look askance
Not wanting to believe her skill is real.

Secure in her position as a healer
Enjoys her work and follows her own dreams.
Love connection simply not a bother
Only tortured by her Mother's schemes.

Respect and admiration is her due
Despite a lack of tasteful fashion sense.
Today in Starfleet dress she does imbue
Responsibility. We do rejoice!

Officer and gentlewoman true
In love with all and even chocolate too.

(c) May 13, 1994
Marguerite K.A. Petersen

AMBASSADOR TROI
-----------------------------------------

Ambassador with pow'r to read one's mind
May cause embarrassment within the male.
Betazoid abilities you'll find
Apparently increase with age, not pale.

Secure in her political position
She still attempts more intimate pursuits,
Although at times she's fraught with indecision.
Deanna must contend with Mother's suit.

Often she's considered quite annoying.
Real vital, she just takes a different stance.
To those who think that life is boring
Reminds them to have fun in this life's dance.

Of all the characters I love to see
Intense Lwaxana is the best, to me.

(c)May 1, 1994
Marguerite K.A. Petersen