#12

For my free entry this week, I did the "best overheard line" idea. The line was, "She's like Beethoven. And I'm like Houdini." I heard it in Wal-Mart walking past a group of teens that couldn't have been over sixteen. So I adapted it just a little. Here it is!

I was nothing but good to him.
My actions sang of love--
the sweet symphony of affection.

He never even heard the melody.

So I began to practice the art of escape.
Each night in my mirror I'd rehearse
my lines, tying my words in knots all too easily undone.

I perfected my disappearance, then put on a show.

He's like Beethoven.
And I'm like Houdini.
Masters of opposing crafts

can never share the stage.

#11

This week I've enjoyed getting to know more about different styles of poetry. I've always been more of a free writer, so it's a lot of fun to see what I can do with different forms. While it's extremely challenging, I'm trying my hand at each of them, and turning the one I like the best in for workshop. So far I've completed a Villanelle, and I'm working on a Pantoum. I may post some of my other attempts as my free entry this week.

I love the repetition of lines in both the Villanelle and Pantoum. To me, repetition gives a sense of momentum to the piece, and it moves the poem along to its eventual climax. It is tough, however, to design lines that can be repeated without seeming overdone. I was halfway through with a Pantoum when I realized that it sounded extremely cliche and I ended up trashing the whole thing. Now I've got to start over and see what I can do. I look forward to seeing your adaptations as well!