Rhyming power is my first love, but I learned to love free verse and other non-rhyming forms over the years. It does take a special kind of intentionality to write free verse that really sings!
Ok peeps, I humbly confess that I got the quote by Niall Williams wrong. Here’s the correct quote. (Reminder not to text at red lights!) “there is nothing like strong meter to make a poem mind its manners.” Please forgive, ye editors.
There's a whole lot to love about form poetry as a goad for the mind – to force obedience to an established structure is to close the gate on rambling – and my free verse has benefitted immeasurably as a result of that discipline. I love reading your free verse, because it's a great window into the creative process and displays intent that builds meaning in a beautiful way!
Totally brought a smile to my face. I am new at poetry, in fact I wrote a poem titled, “I am just a pre-poet” and the question of rhyme and meter worry me, too. My mentor was Dr. Seuss. Sure, he could make up names to make rhymes, but he didn’t force it. Anyway, here I am pre-poeting and probably taking up too much of your time. Be kind. It is National Poetry month, after all.
I’ve been working my way through Mary Oliver’s poetry handbook over the past two years. I’m still in the beginning where she encourages students to try forms and to imitate forms. Thus, the sonnets I’ve been writing are my attempts and practices at trying classic forms. Someday I plan on moving on to a different form, I suppose. Rhyme and rhythm are good for a certain tone and mood. Free verse is just as challenging and is good for setting other moods and tones.
Sara, I think form poetry is indeed good for the brain. What a great practice!
That's one of the reasons for my last few posts about Poetscribing- as a former elementary teacher, I know that rhyme and rhythm go deep when it comes to remembering.
Rhyming power is my first love, but I learned to love free verse and other non-rhyming forms over the years. It does take a special kind of intentionality to write free verse that really sings!
That’s supposed to say “poetry” not power, but I kind of like the typo. Haha
ahhhh.... thanks Rebecca! I like 'rhyming power' too!
Ok peeps, I humbly confess that I got the quote by Niall Williams wrong. Here’s the correct quote. (Reminder not to text at red lights!) “there is nothing like strong meter to make a poem mind its manners.” Please forgive, ye editors.
ahhhh..... a human being you are. Thanks Marcia, I will add that quote to my commonplace book.
I am not a robot,
But how can I be sure?
Click on all the boxes,
Use the code that’s yours.
Fill in all the circles
Scan the QR code
Download all the apps
Secure your own password.
Let spellcheck correct you,
Pay with just a swipe.
I am not a robot,
But do I have a life?
Marcia you are amazing.
“There’s nothing like strong meter to make a poem mind its business.” Niall Williams
Stealing this one for sure.
Oh that's a great quote!
There's a whole lot to love about form poetry as a goad for the mind – to force obedience to an established structure is to close the gate on rambling – and my free verse has benefitted immeasurably as a result of that discipline. I love reading your free verse, because it's a great window into the creative process and displays intent that builds meaning in a beautiful way!
Mark you are so kind to say so. And I agree about the form, you said it very well. Especially the part about rambling.
I have a couple of sonnets in my newest book and they were so fun to try.
Totally brought a smile to my face. I am new at poetry, in fact I wrote a poem titled, “I am just a pre-poet” and the question of rhyme and meter worry me, too. My mentor was Dr. Seuss. Sure, he could make up names to make rhymes, but he didn’t force it. Anyway, here I am pre-poeting and probably taking up too much of your time. Be kind. It is National Poetry month, after all.
I’ve been working my way through Mary Oliver’s poetry handbook over the past two years. I’m still in the beginning where she encourages students to try forms and to imitate forms. Thus, the sonnets I’ve been writing are my attempts and practices at trying classic forms. Someday I plan on moving on to a different form, I suppose. Rhyme and rhythm are good for a certain tone and mood. Free verse is just as challenging and is good for setting other moods and tones.
Sara, I think form poetry is indeed good for the brain. What a great practice!
That's one of the reasons for my last few posts about Poetscribing- as a former elementary teacher, I know that rhyme and rhythm go deep when it comes to remembering.