Form

[impressive]

My educational background is in the sciences (physics and mathematics, mostly). In the few arts/literature courses I was required to take, there was little in the way of instruction re poetry. I learned to communicate (effectively, I hope) via the written word because of my innate introversion. It's easier and safer (albeit lonilier) than dealing with people face-to-face.

Thus, I've no real understanding of formed poetry beyond the cadence of a limerick. I would like this thread to be a starting place for those interested in learning about form in poetry. While I don't see myself ever writing it, I would like to know what the various forms ARE and in what contexts they are most often employed. Examples would be most helpful.

Do you have a preferred form? If so, why? Is it more difficult to get that visceral edge in formed verse?

 

[Jennifer C]

My educational background is in the sciences (physics and mathematics, mostly). In the few arts/literature courses I was required to take, there was little in the way of instruction re poetry. I learned to communicate (effectively, I hope) via the written word because of my innate introversion. It's easier and safer (albeit lonilier) than dealing with people face-to-face.

Thus, I've no real understanding of formed poetry beyond the cadence of a limmerick. I would like this thread to be a starting place for those interested in learning about form in poetry. While I don't see myself ever writing it, I would like to know what the various forms ARE and in what contexts they are most often employed. Examples would be most helpful.

Do you have a preferred form? If so, why? Is it more difficult to get that visceral edge in formed verse?

Hey Imp...

I have lots of examples of form Poetry on my 'Recognition for New Poets' thread

This is the link for one of the websites I used

Different forms of Poetry

I hope you find it helpful, also there are many other links to useful websites about form poetry on my thread...

 

[BooMerengue]

Good mornin, Impy! How you doin?

I like all forms of form poetry. That doesn't mean I'm any good at them. If you want to try one I think a Sonnet might be the easiest. You can go here to learn the basics. Someone else might offer better instructions or ideas, but this'll get you started!

 

[impressive]

Good mornin, Impy! How you doin?

I've been better, but thanks for askin'

Thanks for the links, Boo & Jennifer. I'm an experiential learner, so it'll take more than reference links for me ... but I'll check 'em out.

 

[impressive]

This is from Jennifer's reference link. I'm reproducing excerpts here to provoke dissection/discussion.

The Ode

An ode is a poem that is written for an occasion or on a particular subject. They are usually dignified and more serious as a form than other forms of poetry. Unfortunatly, today's society has distinctly less respect for propriety, morality, and dignity. Modern odes include sarcastic poems about various subjects, including velcro and vegetables. There are several versions and differing opinions on what the rhyme form for an ode should be. In light of these disputes, Tangerine! is of the opinion that we believe them to be simply a poem that contains some form of rhyming pattern which is about a certain subject and contains the word "ode" in the title. Some restrictions are sure to apply.

I have a bit of a problem with a teacher who spells so poorly and intersperses opinion about morality into instruction. (Who is Tangerine! and why should I care what s/he thinks?)

Free Verse

The wonderful, wonderful thing about free verse, is that it has very few distinct rules or boundries. It is similar to blank poetry in that it does not rhyme, but unlike blank verse, it is not written in iambic pentameter. The rhythm or cadence of free verse varies throughout the poem. Though the words don't rhyme, they flow along their own uneven pattern. Definitely a poetry form for one who likes to march to the beat of a different drummer!

Comments?

Blank Verse

Blank verse is a form of poetry, obviously. What sets it apart from all the other forms is the fact that blank verse does not rhyme.The meter is usually iambic (a pattern of unstressed syllables followed by stressed), and pentameter ( a line consisting of five feet).

I can't seem to "hear" meter unless it's really, really pronounced.

The Wonders of Haiku

Haiku style and format varies slightly depending on whom one is talking to, but the basic, most widely recognized form is a 3 line stanza with a 5,7,5 syllable pattern.

(clip)


A 5,7,5,7,5 version (actually called a Tanka) .....

I've seen mention elsewhere about "true" haiku not REALLY being about syllables but another phonetic construct. Clarification?

Ballads

Ballads are poems that tell a story. They are considered to be a form of narrative poetry. They are often used in songs and have a very musical quality to them.

The basic form for ballads is iambic heptameter (seven sets of unstressed, stressed sylables per line), in sets of four, with the second and fourth lines rhyming. Feel free to experiment, but remember, it should have a smooth, song-like sound when you speak it aloud.

Don't ALL poems tell a story? Or, are we talking prose-like construct with conflict/resolution?

Sonnets

Sonnets have been a popular form of poetry for hundreds of years. Though there is more than one type of sonnet, we like to use the Shakspearean form..

Which is what?

Limericks

A limerick is a very structured poem that can be catagorized as "short but sweet." They are usually humerous, and are composed of 5 lines, in an aacca rhyming pattern.

In addition, the first, second and fifth lines are usually 3 anapestic feet (uu/, 2 unstressed followed by 1 stressed) each. The third and fourth lines are usually 2 anapestic feet..

"Humerous" is a combination of an arm bone and humor -- hence the "funny bone."

Anapestic?

Narrative Poems

Narrative poetry is one of the simplest forms, because there is only one basic rule: the poem must tell a story. A ballad is a narrative poem that has a musical rhythm and can be sung. Narrative poems can be funny, sad, or solemn. They can be almost anything! Play with them!.

A ballad is a narrative poem ... but are there other types of narrative poems which are not ballads? Clue me in, here!

The Dramatic Monologue


A dramatic monologue is a combination of the words dramatic and monologue (obviously). The "dramatic" says that it could be acted out, and is a form of drama, while the "monologue" defines it as a speech that one person makes, either to themself or to another. A dramatic monologue is written to reveal both the situation at hand and the character herself..

Sounds like prose.

The Villanelle

A villanelle is composed of for stanzas, beginning with five three line stanzas, and ending with one four line stanza. There are only two rhymes in the usual villanelle, placed stratgetically in the poem. One of the most noted of these that is a splendid example is one by Dylan Thomas, "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night."

What is the difference (if any) between a stanza and a strophe?

The Sestina

A sestina is a difficult form of poetry to master. It is made up of seven stanzas, the first six of which have six lines, the seventh having only three. There is a very exact and complicated pattern to the sestina's stanzas:

The first stanza is the defining stanza, and the six words that are used to end each line are the defining words, as they will be repeated throughout the rest of the poem.

The second stanza is made by taking the six words that were used to end the last six lines and using them in a certain order: the last word used will now end the first line of this stanza; the first word used will now end the second line of this stanza; the second to last, the third: the second, the fourth; the third to last, the fifth, the third, the sixth.

For each new stanza of the first six, the same pattern is continued by using the previous stanza. For the last (seventh) stanza, there are only three lines, using the last three ending words, and then having the other three inside each line.

Example: for this, each letter represents the ending word of a line:

a b c d e f (first stanza)
f a e b d c (second stanza)
c f d a b e (third stanza)
e c b f a d (fourth stanza)
d e a c f b (fifth stanza)
b d f e c a (sixth stanza)
a d (1st line of the 7th stanza, "a" must be in the line, but the line must end with "d")
b e (2nd line of the 7th stanza, "b" must be in the line, but the line must end with "e")
c f (3rd line of the 7th stanza, "c" must be in the line, but the line must end with "f")


The last stanza is under much dispute, and is often written differently, but the one we have shown is the most common. Also, a neat variation is to vary the words in the same way, only instead of it being the ending words, having it be the first words of each line!

This rigid form appeals to the mathematician in me ... but it seems as if it would strip the work of passion. Any examples to contradict that impression?

 

[Lauren Hynde]

My educational background is in the sciences (physics and mathematics, mostly). In the few arts/literature courses I was required to take, there was little in the way of instruction re poetry. I learned to communicate (effectively, I hope) via the written word because of my innate introversion. It's easier and safer (albeit lonilier) than dealing with people face-to-face.

Thus, I've no real understanding of formed poetry beyond the cadence of a limerick. I would like this thread to be a starting place for those interested in learning about form in poetry. While I don't see myself ever writing it, I would like to know what the various forms ARE and in what contexts they are most often employed. Examples would be most helpful.

Do you have a preferred form? If so, why? Is it more difficult to get that visceral edge in formed verse?

There used to be a series of "Poetry Boot Camp" threads - and I've been playing with the idea of doing a v.2 of them, a set of exercises on different forms - back to the basics. I think it could be interesting.

Different forms have different purposes and somehow "fit" better with determined themes. Forms that involve repetition and circular structures are more appropriate for writing about a concept or feeling, while sonnets, for example, are designed to tell a tale.

This one isn't exactly my favourite - I don't know if I have one, as I think there's the right opportunity for them all - but it's something for you to sink your teeth into for a while:


HOW TO write a pantoum

Scribble, scribble, scribble,
Write down all you can think of.
Onto paper let your soul dribble
And rephrase what you wrote above.

Write down all you can think of,
Erase those thoughts from your mind
And rephrase what you wrote above;
Cross out the words left behind.

Erase those thoughts from your mind.
There's no need to get shy.
Cross out the words left behind.
And just give it one more try.

There's no need to get shy!
Onto paper let your soul dribble,
And just give it one more try:
Scribble, scribble, scribble...


Well, I know it sucks ass, but...

 

[BooMerengue]

Its not as bad as this, L!

Okay my friends come here and listen up;
I'll try to teach you how to place your words
to mimic flights of Angels and of birds
and not the antics of a playful pup!

Its best if you can write the way you speak
and let the accent fall where it is meant.
Dont force it by plac ing it dif fer ent.*
By bending words sometimes you make them weak.

*You see what I just did; I made you stumble.
I should replace the word 'force' but I won't.
Or do you think I should replace the 'don't'?
To find just the right word will make you humble.

I watched Hyndes task bring on the puzzled faces
and then I saw a trace of something more
from those across the pond whom we adore
They put their accent marks in different places!

When you are through then open your thesaurus
and decorate your work with sounds that sing!
Now praise yourself for all the joy you'll bring
and give a wink to this ol' dinosaurus!

I'm gone to find Ange's page to show Imp a passionate Sestina. Hope its there.

I would really love it if you revived those other threads. I'm sure quite a few others would, too.

 

[impressive]

There used to be a series of "Poetry Boot Camp" threads - and I've been playing with the idea of doing a v.2 of them, a set of exercises on different forms - back to the basics. I think it could be interesting.

Different forms have different purposes and somehow "fit" better with determined themes. Forms that involve repetition and circular structures are more appropriate for writing about a concept or feeling, while sonnets, for example, are designed to tell a tale.

This one isn't exactly my favourite - I don't know if I have one, as I think there's the right opportunity for them all - but it's something for you to sink your teeth into for a while:


HOW TO write a pantoum

Scribble, scribble, scribble,
Write down all you can think of.
Onto paper let your soul dribble
And rephrase what you wrote above.

Write down all you can think of,
Erase those thoughts from your mind
And rephrase what you wrote above;
Cross out the words left behind.

Erase those thoughts from your mind.
There's no need to get shy.
Cross out the words left behind.
And just give it one more try.

There's no need to get shy!
Onto paper let your soul dribble,
And just give it one more try:
Scribble, scribble, scribble...


Well, I know it sucks ass, but...

I like PATTERNS.

 

[Lauren Hynde]

I like PATTERNS.

Here's a pantoum that I am more proud of, then. Especially the title

Möbius Strip
by Lauren Hynde ©

Teasing from afar, I seductively undress.
Thin linen mist conceals my true desires,
As jagged breathing cries for your caress,
Wet pulsing figure, expert touch requires--

Thin linen mist conceals my true desires,
Hands roam beneath a white unbuttoned shirt.
Wet pulsing figure, expert touch requires.
I play with myself, the embodiment of flirt--

Hands roam beneath a white unbuttoned shirt.
Amid two heartbeats, a nipple comes to view.
I play with myself, the embodiment of flirt,
Tantalizingly slow, I strip naked for you--

Amid two heartbeats, a nipple comes to view
As jagged breathing cries for your caress.
Tantalizingly slow, I strip naked for you,
Teasing from afar, I seductively undress--

 

[Lauren Hynde]

I would really love it if you revived those other threads. I'm sure quite a few others would, too.

I might, then.

 

[ruminator]

Welcome Imp, you're sure to find plenty of good help here. I am more of a candidate for the Poetry Bootcamp, if it occurs, but one quality I have is the love of writing. I'm out to test the theory that desire can overcome any obstacle in pursuing the written art forms. The folks here never fail to extend a hand or push to help us learn and grow.

They enjoy presenting a challenge to novice and accomplished alike



.....some of them are just a tad more challenging then others.

 

[ruminator]

I like PATTERNS.

I have a few gallons of plaid paint you would probably enjoy.

 

[Lauren Hynde]

The problem with writing form - as Pat says - is that it often requires a sacrifice of the best words and development for the poem as a poem, in exchange for words and development that better fit the structure as such.

That is often true, and almost always true with novice poets, but not necessarily, in my opinion. There are some poems that gain as much from their structure as from their content, and some themes practically beg for a determined form (vide Möbius Strip above).

It is a big challenge and one that requires a lot of work, to reach a point in writing when the words that best fit the form are also the best possible words for the poem. But it can be done.

 

[flyguy69]

My pantoums are suddenly snug.


You're right, Lauren; this poem calls for form in its title and rolls exquisitely along this particular structure. And it's a damned hot poem!

Here's a pantoum that I am more proud of, then. Especially the title

Möbius Strip
by Lauren Hynde ©

Teasing from afar, I seductively undress.
Thin linen mist conceals my true desires,
As jagged breathing cries for your caress,
Wet pulsing figure, expert touch requires--

Thin linen mist conceals my true desires,
Hands roam beneath a white unbuttoned shirt.
Wet pulsing figure, expert touch requires.
I play with myself, the embodiment of flirt--

Hands roam beneath a white unbuttoned shirt.
Amid two heartbeats, a nipple comes to view.
I play with myself, the embodiment of flirt,
Tantalizingly slow, I strip naked for you--

Amid two heartbeats, a nipple comes to view
As jagged breathing cries for your caress.
Tantalizingly slow, I strip naked for you,
Teasing from afar, I seductively undress--

 

[BooMerengue]

It is a big challenge and one that requires a lot of work, to reach a point in writing when the words that best fit the form are also the best possible words for the poem. But it can be done.

I have been trying so hard to explain this. From now on I'll just quote you.

 

[impressive]

Welcome Imp...

Thank you, sir, but I'm not new to the forum. I've just been away -- consumed with (and by) other things -- for a couple months.

Now, about that plaid paint ...

 

[ruminator]

Thank you, sir, but I'm not new to the forum. I've just been away -- consumed with (and by) other things -- for a couple months.

Now, about that plaid paint ...

ooops,......some days the wrong words find me far too easy.

we'll use the striped paint for trim and accents.

 

[impressive]

Here's a pantoum that I am more proud of, then. Especially the title

Möbius Strip
by Lauren Hynde ©

Teasing from afar, I seductively undress.
Thin linen mist conceals my true desires,
As jagged breathing cries for your caress,
Wet pulsing figure, expert touch requires--

Thin linen mist conceals my true desires,
Hands roam beneath a white unbuttoned shirt.
Wet pulsing figure, expert touch requires.
I play with myself, the embodiment of flirt--

Hands roam beneath a white unbuttoned shirt.
Amid two heartbeats, a nipple comes to view.
I play with myself, the embodiment of flirt,
Tantalizingly slow, I strip naked for you--

Amid two heartbeats, a nipple comes to view
As jagged breathing cries for your caress.
Tantalizingly slow, I strip naked for you,
Teasing from afar, I seductively undress--

Okay, so Googling, I get the following "definition" of a pantoum:

Brought to the West by Victor Hugo, the pantoum is derived from a Malaysian form of interlocking four-line stanzas in which lines 2 and 4 of one stanza are used as lines 1 and 3 of the next. The lines may be of any length, and the poem can go on for an indefinite number of stanzas. Usually the paired lines are also rhymed. The form may be resolved at the end either by picking up lines 1 and 3 of the first stanza as lines 2 and 4 of the last, thus closing the circle of the poem, or simply by closing with a rhymed couplet.

Interesting form.

 

[Lauren Hynde]

A Malaysian friend tells me that over there this is a form used on children rhymes. Damned Malaysians.

 

[impressive]

I find it amusing (as was mentioned on several sites) that a search for pantoums by Hugo has been fruitless.

(Is the plural pantoums?)

 

[Lauren Hynde]

(Is the plural pantoums?)

Yes

 

[Lauren Hynde]

I never personally wrote a Hynde Hypersonnet, by the way.

 

[BooMerengue]

whaaaat????​

*gasp

 

[Angeline]

A Malaysian friend tells me that over there this is a form used on children rhymes. Damned Malaysians.

Oooooooooooooh.

Really?

Tell me more my darling. You know how the thought of an untried form excites me. I'm all atingle with the very thought.

I sent the card, Mom.

 

[The_Fool]

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