What Is A Poem? A rhyme, a meter or none of the above?

What Makes a Good Poem?

 

How do you know when you’ve penned a good poem?

Is it better for the use of a metaphor?

What about imagery without simile?

Would it be neater with one simple meter?

Is it a crime to decry a good rhyme?

What part of the plan requires lines to scan?

And could it be worse to write in plain verse?

But when I write, I think it’s perverse

To let the flow slow. You see, I can

Scribble doggerel or craft sublime

Stanzas if left alone. But it’s sweeter

For me if I let my mind wander free

And ignore all conventions. Before

I know it, this poet has his poem.

 I thought I’d see if I could take a simple form – the sonnet – and craft my own unique rhyming structure, while maintaining the 14 lines and iambic pentameter… not sure I’ve quite got there but see what you think?

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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23 Responses to What Is A Poem? A rhyme, a meter or none of the above?

  1. Ritu says:

    I’m so not technical when it comes to poetry, but I enjoyed your musings on how to form a good poem His Geoffleship!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. I’d say you nailed it when you unveiled it to your readers.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I like the rhythm of poetry. how words dance in time to the beat. I love your poem, Geoff, especially these lines, which appeal to me.
    ‘Would it be neater with one simple meter?

    Is it a crime to decry a good rhyme?

    What part of the plan requires lines to scan?

    And could it be worse to write in plain verse?

    Liked by 1 person

    • TanGental says:

      I guess I had dad whispering to me here – it feels like I’ve remembered something he wrote and called it my own though I’m sure I’ve not seen it before!! Spooky

      Like

  4. Pingback: Geoff's Poetic Sonnet - Judy E Martin

  5. willowdot21 says:

    Love this Geoff, I think it is perfectly crafted, not unlike you sir 😉 considering most of my stuff is stream of consciousness, whether poetry or prose I think this is a great post! 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    • TanGental says:

      Yes I understand and empathise with that too.

      Like

      • willowdot21 says:

        Do you mean you SoC most of your work…even your books? 🤗

        Liked by 1 person

      • TanGental says:

        That’s a neat idea but no. Poetry is my way to communicate emotion, largely and so starts from a pressing need to write it down. I do then polish it – too much ego not to! Books come from a different place, more rational more considered

        Like

      • willowdot21 says:

        I guessed books are from a diff place, I envy that. All my work seems to come from … Well I don’t know where even the stories are soc now. I do tidy them up and check off facts but mostly off the top of my head. I wish I was so much more organized in my writing.. hopeless case that’s me. Yes I envy you. 😱💜

        Liked by 1 person

  6. I think it’s very clever, and definitely works. I write a lot of ‘poetry’ but couldn’t tell you the majority of formats I use, as I just go with the flow as it enters my head.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Al Lane says:

    Every poem is perfect to the poet that births them… 😀

    Liked by 1 person

  8. That’s impressive Geoff. I have no talent at all for poetry — of any kind. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Love it! Sharing…

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Completely awesome poet, Poet Geoff.

    Liked by 1 person

    • TanGental says:

      Who me? Hmm. I think you’re being too kind. Poetry is such a skill. Like word ballet the best make it look easy but its hard work it takes years of practice to look natural and it often hurts. I bow and scrape to real poets Robbie

      Liked by 1 person

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