Subject: TNG - Shakespearean Sonnets

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


-- 
"Insufficient facts always invites danger, Captain."-Spock in Space Seed
         Member PSEB  Captain's Yeoman (First Shift)  JLP SoL
	       Marg Petersen     petersm@csos.orst.edu 

