Style over content

The meter,' said Peter, 'is paramount

when perfecting and primping a poem,

it should go with a flow, like - so la ti do

with rhapsodic refrains in a row.'

'So you clearly like rhyme with a reason,'

mused Cedric - full bearded - and Zen,

'And dull keyboards and screens

are the tools of your dreams,

whereas I am still notebook and pen;

and I don't know a strophe from a spondee,

or whether sonnet or septet is best,

and adonic and dactyl and pantoum

leave me confused and poetically stressed.

'But I know a good poem when I see one,

a few lines - or a grand classic ode,

'tis a journey that transports the reader

whether Shakespeare or verse a la mode.'

And whilst tea and digestives were summoned

the discussion waged heated and loud,

on the merits (or not,) and of who gave a jot

as to what was correct or allowed.

But one thing was agreed as the moon rose

and they parted the bestest of friends ;

that the magic of words is what matters

and where poets take you with their pens.

Reviews

[CD Campbell]

This is a rolling great write Beccy. Concerning rhyme and meter, I have always thought the greatest forms were always the ones you could read and love then discover later that they were strict without appearing so. Which is part of want I think you are alluding to. It's a pleasure to read you as always.

[Ana B.]

A very beautiful vivid inner discussion and point of view. You are absolutely right, the magic of the word is what matters :) after all.....this entire world was created from a first word....

[Donald Meikle]

The magic of words and I love the jot and the places of pens.
I so love a transporter and the company

[Terpsichore]

'and I don't know a strophe from a spondee,
or whether sonnet or septet is best,'

Oh, I think you do.

Such a clever, clever poem. T

[....................]

A wonderful piece illuminating an age-old debate among poets... at the end of a read (for me, anyway) it is what the poet says that I remember most, not the meter, rhyme, or style... well-said, Beccy.

[Neville]

Breaking boundaries can be fun and what you have crafted here just goes to prove that point. This is an absolutely smashing write on several different levels. It is without doubt witty, sharp, intelligent and sure to bring a smile to the faces of poets everywhere. I am still chuckling.... N

[Marie]

I like rhyme and meter myself, but I believe in being flexible. We can't all write the same kinds of poetry. That really would be dull.

[ANTO]

A great imagining here Beccy. Lovely flow and you certainly carried this reader with your words on a great wee sojourn to a land where poems are a la mode and imagery is delicious.
Bravo

[Chris]

Smiling here... an ages olde argument bound to have staid academia turning in the throes of ...of... ignominy! And others set to dance and party the decades away.

[Julia Mars]

Fabulous! !
Personallyi don't give a hoot about form either but words in any form are powerful.