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.

[W.k.kortas]

I concur with the wise Mr. Hart, though the work of the rapier is so deft, you don't notice the cut while it's happening. Tea and digestives, indeed.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I don't know a strophe from a spondee, either...I just write them...

you know I love this one, being a free verse proponent...

wielding the "go where you wanna go" pen.

I relate...thanks Beccy.

j.

ps
I do think that the overcoming sense of form does often override the heart and content that could be felt in a poem.

[Confuser]

Beccy: What brilliance: it's like the lovely British grandmother, that's walked the society rows, been to all the grand party, but the can elegantly and charmingly let those expletives%*%%* roll! You have a unique poem that has great flow, and the title and content is fabulous too. The story, inside the story, (the poem) is fantastic. The argument can go on, and one, but in the end your content is delightful. What great work. Such talent; cannot wait to read more! Thank you so very

[Woody]

you are a mesmerizing poet, Beccy. this is all I'll add to Lydia's review. just brilliant!

[Lydia Shutter]

Giving you a standing ovation for this one. Witty, rhythmic, and flawlessly rhymed. Yes, we all know a good poem when we read one, don't we? This is one of those good poems! Lydi**

[emmajoy]

''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..'

BRILLIANT! I smiled at the meter, grinned at the humour and then.. then.. gawped and gazed admiringly at the technical flow of the whole!

2019 - As brilliant as ever!

[Ed Hart]

your poem is so sharp is draws blood in the reading