Life's Bright Flame (homage)

NABLA DEL a concrete form in dedication to Mike Cahill, a passed Master Poet Friend & Teacher.

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!

Artwork: Compliments of Pinterest

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

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

First, my late condolences on your friend and mentor's passing.
Secondly, from what I know is Nabla is opposite of delta( not sure if del is needed).
Not my favourite type for it sounds forced and choppy( no offense, just my opinion which could be wrong). Concrete in general too.
The usage of ' no chance to attest' throw me off. Does it mean no chance to attest their great works or their best works. Last 3 lines sound so choppy, hence the form should allow for a better flow of words or the poet's thoughts.
Just minor observations and I could be totally wrong.
Overall is a worthy tribute.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! Good to know. You are welcome sir Richard.

[Richard🖌]

Well, the site cut half my response off … let's try that again. 🌿

Thank you ever-so sincerely, Sammy 🙏🏼

For your sympathetic kindness o'er the death of my poet friend, not mentor (I've edited that more clearly in the intro) … especially, your keenness of thought and well-meant critique.
The del shape I borrowed from calculus, and nabla from the ancient Jewish musical instrument, Nabla or Psaltery, a stringed instrument with an almost chiming sound, played with short bows. Here, you can find an example of this beautiful instrument (Google "An Introduction to the Bowed Psaltery" on YouTube.com)
At first I used the name, Del Nabla, which translated as "Of the Nabla", but decided on the more syntactically rhythmic sound of Nabla Del.
Of course, the shape of the form, itself, is not conducive to the smooth poetic flow in consistently metered lines of other more classical poetic forms, and must depend on well-placed linebreaks and rhyme rhythms to invoke a certain musical, dance-like decreasing cadence in mono-rhymed verses … thus, you are not totally wrong, M'Friend, but totally correct.
Like aged wine, one must develop a taste for the uniqueness of the Nabla Del.
I am so very pleased, Dear Sami, you took time to care and offer instructive thought, share your discernments, feelings, and critique, and in conclusion that, overall, you find this work to be a worthy tribute.

From a poet of your stature,
it truly means a lot! ⁓ Richard 🍂

[Sami Khalil]

All true and well articulated. You are welcome sir Richard.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

This reminded me of Plath and Sexton and when I did my thesis on those two. How they seem to write down into the bottom of a cone rather than writing themselves out of it.
There was nowhere left to go.
We lost both much too early.
some of the best, most creative people are lost so early on....and I just don't understand that.
Nice poem, Richard, Sorry for your loss.
j.

[Richard🖌]

I could not agree more, Jacob 🌾

Perhaps, we're not supposed to be able to comprehend the mysteries of why's 'n what for's(?) … but, only to wonder and write great poems about them, instead.

Thank you, Jacob, for reading and your gracious praise!
Keep thee safe 'n well, Kind Syr! ⁓ Richard 🍂