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?
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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