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?
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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.
TanGental 
I’m so not technical when it comes to poetry, but I enjoyed your musings on how to form a good poem His Geoffleship!
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It’s a joy to spend time steeped in poetry. Life is a bit formula oneish just now but when I get to the pits I’ll try again…
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Look forward to it His Geoffleship!
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I’d say you nailed it when you unveiled it to your readers.
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Aw you know how to turn a lad into a cutesy little berry, don’t you, you silver tongued cavalier…
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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?
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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
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Pingback: Geoff's Poetic Sonnet - Judy E Martin
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! 💜
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Yes I understand and empathise with that too.
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Do you mean you SoC most of your work…even your books? 🤗
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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
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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. 😱💜
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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.
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Mostly that’s me to. Best way to communicate emotion I think but this took some work it’s true…
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Every poem is perfect to the poet that births them… 😀
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How very flaccid, er, flatulent, er, flattening – that’s it- of you..
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That’s impressive Geoff. I have no talent at all for poetry — of any kind. Hugs.
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No well mine comes from a deep well of surprise most of the time
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Love it! Sharing…
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So glad you enjoyed and share away!
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Completely awesome poet, Poet Geoff.
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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
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