Recently I participated in
a workshop run by Jenny Argante; a poetry workshop. During our hands-on-work
session, Jenny provided pointers that I believe apply to all writing structure:
- one’s own voice is the strongest and truest
- write, rewrite, rework, rework
- read your work out loud; addition and omission become evident then.
Her suggestion that
selected phrases from prose may often be turned into good poetry, really hit
home for me. So, motivated by her enthusiasm, and taking note of the seven
elements of good poetry writing cited, I was compelled to pen a form into which
I have rarely delved. The result:
Senior
Moment
I stop, stare
blankly
Wonder why
here?
Could it be my
Memory’s
deserting me!
“Not,” I say -
“Yet…?”
Fear spawning.
I scurry,
Worry my way
Through
corridors,
Mind hot
On the trail
Of
hide-and-seek thought
That brought me
here
To blankly
stare… and,
Wonder.
What do you think? Compare
my effort with the seven elements of good poetry listed below.
Seven Elements of Good Poetry.
Good poems:
·
have shape and a design
·
are rhythmical; have a metrical beat or musical quality
·
reveal new things (but not necessarily
complicated)
·
Are significant, not
mindless waffle
·
are intense (concentrate on
essentials)
·
are concrete, written about
real things in real words
·
are exact; the idea,
observation, or experience has been turned into something specific.
Looking for material to
inspire your writing? Try The Tauranga Writers' Website where sections on prose, poetry,
creative writing, exercises and issues may be found.
Maureen Green
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