I am an ardent fan of Vicarious Learning, which "is learning that occurs as a function of observing, retaining and replicating behavior observed in others." Wikipedia. Oh, the mistakes I have avoided by using this cheat.
Those paternal poets, who navigated the paean waters ahead of us, left some wonderful soundings in their rhyming, metered verse, and have saved us a great deal of time and trouble. And now it's time to try a rhyme.
3. Begin with a line and see where it takes you.
Hmm... How does one begin this step? Ah! Worry not. I will employ a method that has opened the door for many a novice poet ... that is, I'll give you a line to start with:
"Come and let us sit awhile..."
(Dum ta dum ta dum ta dum...)
So, now you have the beginning of a poem. Let's explore some of the elements of rhyming verse: rhyme, idea, and meter.
Rhyme: think of a word that rhymes with "awhile." How about something like "smile,' or "compile," or "mercantile?" As you ponder a possible rhyme for the end of your next line, does an image or an idea come to mind?
Idea: why would we "sit awhile?" For instance, are you inviting a friend, who you've met by chance in the marketplace, to hang out with you? Or, have you and someone else been walking together for some time, and you would like to rest your feet? Where would you like to take this theme?
Meter: will the next line contain as many syllables as your first line, or will you vary it? Your choice in meter will establish the timing of your poem, but do not let it force you into a corner. I other words, never ever force a rhyme in order to make it fit your meter.
Now, it's your turn. Write down, (or type out), the line I've given to you. Observe it. Let it guide your thoughts and see what comes of adding more words. Think of it as a sort of puzzle. As always, I invite you to leave your comments or questions below, and I will respond ASAP. Have fun!
Those paternal poets, who navigated the paean waters ahead of us, left some wonderful soundings in their rhyming, metered verse, and have saved us a great deal of time and trouble. And now it's time to try a rhyme.
3. Begin with a line and see where it takes you.
Hmm... How does one begin this step? Ah! Worry not. I will employ a method that has opened the door for many a novice poet ... that is, I'll give you a line to start with:
"Come and let us sit awhile..."
(Dum ta dum ta dum ta dum...)
So, now you have the beginning of a poem. Let's explore some of the elements of rhyming verse: rhyme, idea, and meter.
Rhyme: think of a word that rhymes with "awhile." How about something like "smile,' or "compile," or "mercantile?" As you ponder a possible rhyme for the end of your next line, does an image or an idea come to mind?
Idea: why would we "sit awhile?" For instance, are you inviting a friend, who you've met by chance in the marketplace, to hang out with you? Or, have you and someone else been walking together for some time, and you would like to rest your feet? Where would you like to take this theme?
Meter: will the next line contain as many syllables as your first line, or will you vary it? Your choice in meter will establish the timing of your poem, but do not let it force you into a corner. I other words, never ever force a rhyme in order to make it fit your meter.
Now, it's your turn. Write down, (or type out), the line I've given to you. Observe it. Let it guide your thoughts and see what comes of adding more words. Think of it as a sort of puzzle. As always, I invite you to leave your comments or questions below, and I will respond ASAP. Have fun!
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