to rhyme or not to rhyme

a discussion of poetical form

There is a rigid school of thought

That says what poetry is not,

 

Without that metered rhyme

A poet can't keep time

 

Some say not true

No form will do --

 

Though both of them should learn to bend,

We each can to the other lend.

(8,6,4,8 -- aa, bb,cc,dd)

 

Good poetry

must into the soul

of reader reach,

and pluck it

from the vine,

Like a peach --

Did I falter

In my metre ?

did that somehow

take away

From the meaning

of what I have say?

or was it

not so sublime,

because I use a hint

of rhyme?

 

Poetry pulls you in

To something the speaker

Wants you to see ...

And standing on the precipice,

You aren't wondering

About the composition

Of the rock,

But if he's going to

Jump.

 

Poem.
From mind to pen
unlock the door.

Open.

 

Author's Note

There are several schools of poetical thought. It does not have to be confusing or shocking to be good, but good poetry can be just that -- opaque and mysterious, or subtle, or rhyming, or funny and charming -- and the journey is as important as the end ...

Since I have been here I have experimented with different forms, and honed my own unique style that I have always had -- writing poetry in groups that string together. Where I once pulled them apart, I now keep them together. I have been chastised for "not capitalizing the first of every line, having no metre, or timing, and asked to review by people who thought my poetry was "crap". There is no one right way to write a poem -- but there is style, and making sense, and caring about how you present your work.

Reviews

[Papaya]

I think that it ain't nobody's business but the writer's. I don't think anyone should have to fit within a mold. Our writing styles are an extension of who we are. Like having tattoos or blue hair, or pigtails or whatever. It's our own style. I like this one KL.

[Lyn Anderson]

In my experience, most freer spirits feel this way. The conFORMists are like grammar school teachers stuck in a rut.

[Papaya]

yeah, screw 'em. :)
(i mean that respectfully of course, all you conformists out there!)

[Wicahpi]

"to rhyme or not to rhyme" is a nagging question. I like to rhyme and sometimes it flows right out that way. other times it just seems forced and then becomes a frustration, so prose becomes the answer. I also believe in personal style. that something that makes one's art memorable. Up there in your first series of verse, the six syllable lines, the second of those is seven syllables. Of course, if there is something I am missing, than I apologize. I, too, like to try different styles of verse. I think it's good practice. Thank you for sharing!

[Lyn Anderson]

Ha ha, it should say can't -- thanks for the catch.:)

[Hyacinth]

I agree, there is no one way of writing. But I adore yours! Again wonderfully worded.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you, that is very nice of you to say.

[LastMonth]

I think that alot of good writers have talent.
But this isn't just talent Goode.

Maybe you're flowing with talent, but that's besides my point.
What I see here, and in many of your poems, is mastery.
A dedication to the craft. You -know- what you're doing. And you -know- it because you've practiced. You've honed your writing in the way a Basketball player hones their jumpshot and a dancer hones her balance.

When it comes to rhymes..?
Well. I sometimes rhymes, and sometimes not. But you've raised a fun, interesting subject in this poem.
Your messege is true and honest. Keep up the good work Goode.

[Lyn Anderson]

What a wonderful thing to say. I have had a lot of practice, writing for over 30 years now, but always there is more to learn and explore.

[Ruth]

I agree, there is no one way...most definitely...half the battle is knowing your own voice and going with whatever you feel at the moment...poetry to me has always been art from the heart, with no heart the art would not carry the tone of the writer...no one right way...total agreement :)

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you very much. And I do so enjoy your work, as it is always beautiful and from the soul.

[Ruth]

Thank you KL, and you're always welcome hon x

[Bright Ocean Star]

Beautifully penned and artfully constructed. Thank you for opening the discussion.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you. I think, as in many human endeavours, we should learn to see others' viewpoints.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

You know me... I hardly use rhyme... but I also don't mind ones that do... as long as you write it from the heart then you are creating your artwork.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks. I appreciate that.

[barleygirl]

I've always tried to focus on the message more than the form (hopefully), both in writing & reviewing. So many times, the "less acceptable" or "purely lacking" poetic formats are the messages that really rock a reader to the core. While the perfectly manicured verse kinda puts me to sleep with the contrived approach. I guess I'm almost as biased AGAINST perfect form, as the perfectionists are against those who throw form to the breeze.

One of my favorite lines: "Though both of them should learn to bend" . . . and
"And standing on the precipice,
You aren't wondering
About the composition
Of the rock,
But if he's going to
Jump"

[Lyn Anderson]

That's my favourite too! I lean towards free verse, but not free spewing, if you know what I mean. If you carefully suggest to a writer their meaning is not entirely clear, and they stomp their feet and say, "but it's MY feelings!" you know constructive discourse is not possible. I love what I did with my farmhouse poem, spurred by your review that it should be a stand alone piece. And the others, as a consequence, went together with more of my original intention. Reviews from other writers have helped me the same way. But people who outright dismiss poetry that is not of "the form" they like, are missing out.

[barleygirl]

I so agree with your comments about free verse still needing to have a strong, relatable message . . . & also knowing when there's no reasoning with someone when the message is indecipherable or truly not a bit poetic.

[GreenShoes]

Your poetry is clever, creative, and classy.

Some poems, I can clearly see are good, but they go over my head, and I can't say that I enjoyed them. A good poem is in the heart of the beholder. As someone who often uses forms, I do get put off by poems that seem "carelessly" written, but, thankfully there are other people who can give them support.

[Lyn Anderson]

I appreciate that, and form poems can be sloppy too, and rhyme for the sake of it without much thought.

[Einstein Noodle]

what a very fine presentation ...shows intellect, experience and education .. especially like 2nd hint of rhyme part ... all are spot on in my mind .. well done! open minds, mix and match!! and using old school thought can give wonderful rewards and bolster ones poetry when the wind blows ;) again ..very nice job KL!
E.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you for the view and review.