Grande Aspirations ⁓ (a poet's longing)

Nabla Del (a type of concrete or shape poem)

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Author's Note

"NABLA DEL"
an original poetic form
created by Richard W. Jenkins
© 12 Dec 2001
In the shape of an upside down (inverted) triangle, this form must be centered for full effect, but may be aligned left or right when formatting will not permit center alignment.
There is no set syllable count per line, but each descending line must be reduced by (at least) one or two letters, until there is one word at the bottom, and a smooth sided inverted triangle has been produced.
12 Lines total are required in the following order:
1 … Opening/Introduction Line
2 … Quatrains (4-Line verses)
1 … 3-Line Closing Verse (triplet)
Rhyme scheme is: x, xbxb, xcxc, xxx (x = no rhyme). But, by author's choice, there can be more rhymes, as long as the required minimum rhyme scheme is met.
Note: The Introduction line and verses are separated by a free space.
It can be a challenge … if you try it, just have fun!

Painting: A young Rembrandt Van Rijn, self-portrait, oil on panel, c.1625

All well-meant, constructive critique is welcome! : )

Reviews

[Lisasview]

Well, what a perfect poem to read after spending a good part of my day working on my poems...
I love the image and the fabulous layout of your poem.
Gosh, how true are these words...one hopes the reader will take time to reread our words more than twice...each time gaining more about the meaning behind the words..
This original form of yours dear Richard is so interesting. It lends itself so well to your words..
I now have gone back for the fourth time to explore this new form and to capture more of you in your poem..Loved it as I do all your marvellous work...
Lisa, 7pm and about to have dinner..

[Richard🖌]

M'Dear Lady Lisa 🌾

Such a happy moment you've created by taking the rare essence of my uniquely penned poetic effort to dinner with your appetite … I hope it blended well with your wine … I know your treasured words of love, appreciation, understanding, and praise went perfectly with mine.🍷
Perhaps, you might venture forth with a try at this form … it would be quite an interesting and rewarding challenge for you to perfect, me thinks.
There are numerous others onsite who've done an exemplary job of it; so, I know You can.

A warm thank you hug, Charming Poetess, for gifting an olde bard such an inspiring, joy-filled review! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Lisasview]

Hi Richard,
Thrilled to actually have time to work on my computer..in between my always crazy day. So I need to see exactly how to go about this form as I think it is so interesting...
Lisa

[Richard🖌]

Lemme know if you need a helping hand.

[Lisasview]

Oh I am sure I will....

[Betty Hermelee]

Richard: I love the visual in this form ( but I wouldn't dare an attempt myself ....Lovely words and images you have put forth, whether you are just a simple poet or not ( you are very complex)...your goal: to strive beyond best is plainly seen here ...and I like the way you asked for many readings....Excellent work!

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Betty Dear 🌺

Thank you truly. It is so very nice to see you today and to receive such graciously warm, inspiring accolades and expressions of appreciation for this rather unique little Shape/Concrete poem … I am thrilled to know you love anything about it.
As for trying it, yourself: Einstein Noodle (Gene) did a rather noteworthy job in this form with his "Swamp Lilly", which might inspire you to try it. 😊 Check it out at:
https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/rlGt2mAk3/2313825/

Dear Lady Betty, your comments on my simplicity and complexity are spot-on; as-well, my goal being to strive beyond best is also true … not many see me in that way (or, tell me if they do), and I most humbly and gratefully appreciate your shared sentiments … with my warmest, most sincere hug! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[barleygirl]

Only YOU could write a poem like this. Most of us are throttled by a more modest self-assessment! I hate to even ask someone to read me once, let alone command them to "sit back for a while & read me again"!!!! Such audacity!!!! And you probably think I'm the audacious one (of us two)! *wink! wink!* Your form & execution does come across as perfection, however! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Dear Margie 🌾

You always have something interesting to offer in your reviews, and I am ever grateful for your presence upon my pages. Your insightful words on the content of this piece gift a fond smile to an olde bard's lips, inspiring considerations I'd not heretofore applied to myself. However, after mulling it over, I suppose I can appear to be a bit audacious to some; though, you are the first who's ever been audaciously kind enough to tell me … LOL!
Thank you truly, Lady Margie, for finding enough suitable virtue in this wee artistic effort to offer such gracious praise, as-well … it means a lot to me.

May your days be spent in grateful wonderment for the beauty all around you in your endlessly enchanting world … warmest hugs 'n smiles, M'Dear Friend! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Helen Crutchett]

Richard, hi! Cool verse, loved it. Very well written and attractive to the eye.

~Helena~

[Richard🖌]

Hi back, Dear Helena 🥀
Thank you ever-so warmly and gratefully … happy hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[R.E. Ray]

Richard, your humility shines through in this poem. And, you're a master poet. Aren't most of the best dismissive or hushed about their own talents? Grand aspirations realized, I'd say. The form is remarkable, the last verse like a period at the end of the best written sentence on the last page of a classic novel. I bow to you, sir.

[Richard🖌]

My fine poet friend, R.E. 🍁

Thank you ever-so gratefully for gracing this humble effort with such an eloquent review … your description of the form/shape is most elegantly laid.
I could not have wished for more gratifying plaudits in expressions of appreciation, inspiration, and praise to this rather uniquely original form, as-well-as to, I, the truly thankful olde bard.

Coming from one so accomplished as yourself, this means more than mere words to an always hopeful writer.
Many blessings, My Friend … your respectful bow likewise returned! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[R.E. Ray]

You're welcome, Richard. You're a pleasure to read and an inspiration.

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahahaha ... judge me sins and read me ag'in :))))))))) nice sense of humor Richard. Looks to be a challenging form.... you certainly have a penchant for creating them ... the title and shape speak to me right away ... as ones aspirations may meet with obstacles and failures they sometimes peter out to one word and.........nothing .. this very personal poem to all here at the Cafe' and beyond is touching .. you bring unique, creative, thoughtful, honest poetry and I am sure many are sending your closing Love to all ... back at ya brother. in lieu of your book being completed this makes all the sense in the world .. best of good fortune always Richard
E.

[Richard🖌]

Ah, Gene, My Dear Friend 🍂

No one writes excellent reviews quite like yours … an author never has to wonder if they're understood, appreciated, enjoyed, made mistakes or done it just right, etc; and if value is found in their earnest efforts.
I am always grateful for your keen observations and keen, knowing eye.
True, this is a rather challenging form to master, but Roland Petrov has made very notable effort to: "Stay Home" https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/rolandpetrov/2176962/
I'd love it if you gave it a try. I know you'd do a brilliant piece … the result would be fun and well worth your effort.

Thank you, My Friend, for a great review, and for being You! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Einstein Noodle]

oh my goodness .. you know i am lazy right?! ;) i appreciate the challenge tho ... i've been quite uninspired for weeks ... a few things rumbling about the nog ... maybe your form is just the ticket to getting them out :) best of the day to ya sir!

[Just Kim]

Wow, what a wonderful form here, This is one amazing piece, love the pic as well

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Lady Kym

That you "love" anything about my humble little poetic efforts means so much to me.

Your praise and expressed joy are like soft caresses … warmest hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[.]

Woah!!! I love this shape-poetry, this is some new kind of art, also you can say a more linked work with art and poetry. Loved this poetry, well I have one in the shape of a 'wave', you can check here- https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/MC23/2163209/ . I'd love a nice review :) *smiles*

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Lady Aurora 🌈

Thank you ever-so warmly and gratefully for such a lovely, appreciative review … you've made me very happy to know I've pleased you so well and that you "love" anything about this unique piece. : )

Yes, M'Dear, I'll be by to check out your "wave".
Big hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Roland Petrov]

Reminds me of the Diminished Hexaverse (I think it was you who introduced me to it), but here you have achieved very smooth lines. Impressive! I will attempt it, but this one has be doubting my abilities. I doubt you have sinned, by the way; maybe a crime or two? I have posted a gogyohko, but is it successful?

[Richard🖌]

Yes, it is similar in shape to the more extended Diminished Hexaverse, Roland … good eye and memory!

I think I did introduce you to the DH form (tho, mine was a Diminished Decaverse) Re; my poem and your review from 2016: https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/RichardJ/1551264/
Your DH and my review: https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/rolandpetrov/1553533/

Hah! Roland, I've scant doubt you'll make your Nabla Del sing and dance, just the ways you have every form I've challenged you with.
BTW, I have stumbled and strayed a few times on the straight and narrow path. ; )

Thanks a bushel for your inspiringly appreciated words in review, My Fine Friend! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[sandra]

This is great! Thank you for the helpful information! I am going to try. Keeping to form is difficult for me. You do it so well. I do like the challenge of it.

[Richard🖌]

Ohhh-MY, Sandra! 😳

That you would give one of my original forms a try makes my heart skip a beat and my lips smile warmly.

Thank you for your lovely praise … I feel certain you'll do it exemplarily, Dear Poetess! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Rye]

this is just awesome, love the form and the second to last stanza, love that part. awesome write

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so warmly and gratefully, Dear Ryanna 🌈

Because you love anything about my poetry sweeps me away, and twice is sigh-worthy to an olde bard's ear and heart.

Bless you with a hundred happy hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍃