|
[ a light take on the art of poetry ] A spark in the head, a wave that’s caught Now’s the time to take this thought Fix it here and find the noun Slot it in and write it down. Set the style, strike the tone, This puts your verse into its own. And then make sure the waters here Unclouded are and crystal-clear Don't lose yourself in murky fog And don't get stuck in clammy bog. Throw into light or set in shade Your special themes to be displayed. Within the frame all parts align Expose the curve and keep the line. Now show the anchor of your past So folk will know how you are classed And from this site what you can do Is then command a steadfast view. And if about some ancient wrong Your feelings they are very strong Or if your goal’s to poke some fun A short, sharp sting you must not shun. Well should you take the time To set in measured rhyme Your thoughts and their design? Then freedom you resign As slave of final syllable You finish up inflexible. How to escape this fetter? This idea’s much better: Link like letters, Set in succession Series of similar sounds. Don't bore the reader, vary the beat one-Two, one-Two is really neat But now and again: a striking foot Strong at the start, a signal to put. Bear in mind what rule comes first: Make sure the bubble does not burst. Don't be direct, or commonplace, Say from the side, not straight in the face. Never hark back to a style too old 'Thou' or 'hath' you must withhold Forget the gods, avoid all pomp And don't go off on a modern romp Steer well clear of all cliché For what falls flat is your soufflé.
|
