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!
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I agree, it is really cool to learn about forms. I have always been a free writer myself, and I never really followed any rules. If something felt "natural," I did it. I am nervous about taking on a Villanelle or a Pantoum, but I am really excited about it as well! I loved yours for this week, by the way. It was wonderful! And I agree with you about repetition, it really does give that sense of momentum that you were talking about.
ReplyDeleteI think that the only way in which we will know if a repetitive line is cliche is to write it like you said and then (hopefully) realize it before completing or submitting the draft. While the repeition is what makes the form beautiful, it is also what makes it so difficult. Perhaps this is one form where the "Practice makes Perfect" adage comes into play.
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