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IntroductionIn my opinion, most poets spend too much time writing poetry and not enough time reading it. Over the years I have found that reading good poetry is a great inspiration and a good poet is the best teacher.Times, subjects, and styles all change with fashion or mood and with exception of the truly creative poet, we only build on the lessons of the past and mostly only imitate what we admire the most. Experiments are usually only based on previous experiences, good or bad. Poetry is like a river. Each river is unique, sometimes placid, pleasing to view, even boring at times. In other places it's dirty, mud churning, wild and angry, demanding your full attention. Many different crafts journey on a river, sometimes unsuited, sometimes purpose built. Similarly if we only use one style, one meter, one form, we limit ourselves and the beauty we try to create, or the message we are trying to deliver. My aim in creating this site is not to set myself up in competition to all the fine sites that are already in existence; rather it is to complement those sites. My intention is to be a reference source where a poet can come to and find out about specific poetry styles and forms. Wherever possible I will try to post an example of that form or style. In some cases, I will be using the work of accepted masters and in others I will be using work submitted by myself or by friends as an example of style and form. I have tried to break down my sites into logical steps to make it more fun and easier to read, the important thing being that everyone understands and enjoys what is said or posted. Please tell me if what is written seems garbled, or garbage, or incorrect, as I've said before I am here to help not hinder. If you find this site useful or interesting, or if you have problems please contact me, you are my best proof reader, and it is only because of you that we can improve. |
Poetry Verse and FormThis site introduces the poet to Meter and Form giving examples wherever possible. Ballads, Blank Verse and Odes are dealt with and examples given. Suggestions and contributions are most welcome.back to list |
Autonomous PoetryThis is not a site about poetic form; rather it is about style and theme. Most poetry is about life and love, and in here is discussed several ideas as to how poetry can be used. Examples of Aubade are given, and Dark poetry takes a look at the other side where blackness and evil prevails. Glosa talks about inspiration and expansion and just as night ends day, it closes by talking about Nocturnes.The purpose of this site is simply to give the poet and the poetry reader alternatives to think and write about. back to list |
Celtic PoetryThis is an introduction to Bardic poetry and just because the forms are old, do not be mislead into thinking they are simple, in fact some are extremely imaginative and complex forms.This site has been split into two parts, in Part 1, you will find an introduction to Celtic Poetry and the rest of the site devoted to Irish Poetry Forms. Part 2 is devoted entirely to the 24 Welsh Poetry Forms. |
Poetry Forms of the OrientAs poets, what do we think of when the Orient is mentioned? Most people would think of Haiku and perhaps Tanka, but after that most would scratch their heads. By definition, the Orient begins East of the Mediterranean and especially includes SE Asia.With this in mind, this site will be talking about forms such as Rubaiyat, Ghazal, Pantoum, Luc Bat, Sijo, Tanka, Renga, Haiku and Senryu. Japanese poetry is heavily discussed. As I find time, I will be adding to this site. back to list |
Repeating and Interlocking FormsThere are many types of poetry which use an interlocking form to link one stanza to the next one. Some forms use a refrain or a repeating line, whilst others use a line from the previous stanza to be a line in the new stanza. In this site we discus the Kyrielle, Rondeau, Rondel, Triolet and Sestina, all of which use a refrain or a repeating word and the Terza Rima, Terzanelle, Villanelle, and Lai and Virelai which use a line or lines from the previous stanza. I find these forms of poetry challenging and enjoyable and it has been my experience that when challenges are issued in forums that poets are pleasantly surprised with the results. back to list |
Quatrains, Four Line Poetry FormsProbably the most important site of all my poetry information sites, in here are contained the building blocks of the majority of other poetry forms, multi stanza forms, octave, decastich and sonnets to name but a few. There are quatrains that stand alone also, and so it is only right that we start here where the foundations of poetry are created.back to list |
Quintains, Five Line Poetry FormsOne of my pet sites. 5 line stanzas are a very neglected or misused poetry form. In here, I discuss Sicilian Quintain, English Quintain, Quintilla, Cinquain and Limerick.back to list |
Sestet, Six Line Poetry FormsAlthough there is a plethora of six line poetry forms, very rarely are any used in their own write Some are used as the Volte or turning point in an arguement or the contra statement, and are very often capable of standing alone.In here, I discuss their use as a ballad or ode and cover the Rime Couée, Habbie, Short Particular Measure, Italian Sestet, Sicilian Sestet, Spanish Sestet (Sextilla), and the Wordsworth Sestet. back to list |
Septet, Seven Line Poetry FormsThe original seven line poetry form is alleged to have been invented by Geoffrey Chaucer derived from the Octava Rima. He used it in so much of his poetry and it was a popular form competing with the emerging sonnet until it sank out of fashion in the 17th century. In this site we discuss the Pleiades, Rima Royal, Rondelet, Septet, and the Sicilian and Spanish Septet.back to list |
Octave, Eight Line Poetry FormsThere are a large number of eight line poetry forms, some of which form the first stanza of a sonnet; some form a stanza in their own right, (Brace Stanza) and in longer poems like Byron's Don Juan.In this site is discussed, Common Octave, Hymnal Octave, Huitain, Italian Octave, Sicilian Octave, Ottava Rima, Strambotto and others. back to list |
Decastich, Ten Line Poetry FormsThe original ten line poetry form, the Decastich only gets a brief mention in Turco's Book of Forms, but further research shows that there has been plenty of poetry written using Decastich. This site identifies seven main types and their major variants.back to list |
The Sonnet PageThis site has been extensively revised and you will find it easier to manoeuvre your way around it now. After the introduction, the site is split into two halves.
The first half is devoted to what may be considered the conventional sonnet
forms and a brief history of the sonnet is covered as the forms are revealed.
It starts with Petrarcha, and shows the evolution to the English forms and
beyond. It concludes by showing complex forms such as tails, redoubles, and
crowns. |
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I have a great poetry forum at:
*Tir Na nOg, The Land Of The Everliving*..
The purpose of this forum is to help poets enjoy poetry as well as learn, develop and sharpen
poetic skills. In this forum we run poetry challenges of form and
theme. Please take a little time to go and visit, and perhaps post one
of your own poems there. You will find the members most supportive and
helpful. A short while ago whilst looking for work by a certain lady poet, I came across this great site: * OTHER WOMEN'S VOICES *. Its a wonderful place and I recommend everyone to visit it.
Doing another research project, I was directed by my friends to a wonderful
site at: * Poetry Corner *.
In this place I found an alphabetical listing of poets with many examples of
some, if not all their poetry. It truly is a magnificent place and well worth
visiting. |
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Only after the last tree has been cut down Only after the last river has been poisoned Only after the last fish has been caught Only then can we realise that money cannot be eaten - Cree Indian Prophesy |
