I foolishly told the poetry Secretary at the Writers' Club (at the weekend) that I'd attempt an entry for the May poetry competition- to be handed in tonight (Wednesday).
It was rhyming form and there was a given theme.
I remember that I never found poetry difficult when I was a child- because it was playing with words and enjoying the creative process.
When you get older and aren't poetically inclined, like me, all the rules are headache inducing.
But with some technical advice from poet friends who do know, I ended up with two verses, each of four lines, and the ABAB rhyming scheme worked- well it seemed to...
I will get a little feedback next month when the judge returns the results- assuming there are enough entries for the competition to run.
So I've decided that if I ever try writing poetry again, I'll keep to blank verse. :D
Carol Bevitt's blog on her writing and inspirations, along with occasional literature related news...
Well done, Carol! That ABAB scheme can be a killer. Just goes to show you can turn your hand to anything if you try. :)
ReplyDeleteHelen/TN
I have great respect for those writers who are good at poetry as well as prose, Helen.
DeleteSadly I don't think I will ever want to actively pursue poetry writing.
That's why I stick to my haiku, Carol lol
ReplyDeletemarion
Even that requires skill, Marion. :)
DeleteGood luck, Carol! I still enjoy writing poetry every now and then as it's so different form the other writing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rosemary.
DeleteYes it is different and for me it's a bit too different. :D
Can't 'do' poetry although with typically creative perverseness, it's sometimes the only form that will do. anne stenhouse
ReplyDeleteYes, I certainly agree with you, Anne.
DeleteMy poem certainly was the only form that was right for the thoughts I expressed in it.
It's good to try something different now and then - even if it is to remind ourselves why we don't do it very often.
ReplyDeleteIt is, surprisingly, good to try something different. I came up with phrases/descriptions that would work better in one of my longer stories, so I've made a note of them.
DeleteSo perhaps poetry does have its uses sometimes, Patsy. :-)
I used to write the occasional poem and believe it or not, even won a competition...but I find novel writing much easier! I admire those who write beautiful poetry.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Angela. I'm amazed how some writers can produce wonderful poems that say so much, but struggle with prose.
ReplyDeleteI find writing longer stories suits me. :-)