What Kind of Sonnet is this?

Question

A Portrait of Sequoyah

He was called George Guess, or sometimes just Guest

In English, but lessons he never took.

Nonetheless, he was scholarly at best

Though, he lived in a nation with no books.

He hung a calumet from his tight lips,

Had distant eyes and was thoughtful in looks.

One bent and withered leg hung from his hip,

And a turban on his head he did wear.

Upon his shoulder was carried a chip.

So around 1809 he did swear

To make the leaves talk and inspire.

His wife and friends thought he had not a prayer.

Twelve years later proved him not a liar.

By ‘25 the words spread like fire.

This is a first draft of a poem I'd like to write onto the back of a large portrait I painted of the man. I would appreciate any suggestions as it doesn't sound as eloquent as I would like it to. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

great

very good

Answer 2

I think this is more of a Doggonnet.

Answer 3

Interesting. Lines 10,11 and 14 varied from you 10 beat other lines?  I google Sequoyah...would not this be better to develop along the lines of his invention rather than a one line reference at the end?  I confess, but if I knew he had invented the syllabary, I had forgotten.  What would be special if you can do it is to pen a short verse using the Cherokee alphabet.  To throw something back at you here is how I would start this assignment.  Good luck.

Silversmith by trade, this Cherokee man

but a dreamer and inventor also

a set of characters, his plan began

to give his people written words to grow