Sestina: Definition and Examples

I am not the father but he is my son 

All I know is that I have made him play 

And that is all I want to see 

Avail a better life for him I will 

And everything good I will always try 

Although it is a seed I did not sow 

To intimidators I shall not bow 

I will defend my family under the sun 

I don’t want to see him cry 

I just want to see him play 

For his cause I will stand still 

For all that might be 

For all that might be 

The whole world I must show 

For enemies I will kill 

Coz this is my son 

His food will forever be on the tray 

And our dreams will keep at flight 

Even if the lands are dry 

I will always pay the fee 

To ensure that he plays 

And forever he will know 

That indeed he is my son 

And that he will feel 

I have settled all the bills 

So that he does not cry 

We already have fun 

And that is because of me 

But I don’t want to show 

I just want him to play 

All haters I will slay 

Coz I know my will 

To protect what I did not sow 

And ensure he doesn’t cry 

That is what I want to see 

Coz he is my son 

Always play son 

Our future will see 

We will not bow down to their cries 

The persona in the sestina is a man who has just adopted a son. However, he is facing resistance to give up the child to the people purporting to be the actual parents. However, the speaker argues that he has brought up the child, seen him play, and paid for his upbringing. It would therefore be ridiculous for someone to come at that juncture claiming possession of the baby.