| VoicesNet Visions Literary Journal - Issue 19 - April 30, 2004
This week we take a look at some advantages and disadvantages of structured rhyming poetry and free verse. How important is or isn't structure in a poem? Read to find out!
For information on many poetic forms, please check out the following link. I am positive that you will find it very enlightening. http://www.voicesnet.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=crittech. There are many topics on poetry forms and plenty of opportunities for you to learn something new.
We also present the just announced winner's poem in the VoiceaNet Anthology 8 competition to you.
Stop in and have a look at our poetry forums, they are truly a great place to learn and grow as a poet. The VoicesNet online community is unsurpassed in its talent and its warmth.
Have a great week!
Melyssa G. Sprott,
Managing Editor and Staff Writer
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Structured Lines versus Free Verse
Melyssa G. Sprott
Is free verse less viable poetry than structured, well-metered lines? That question is as old as writing poetry itself. Well, maybe not that old, but I myself have pondered that very question many times.
Some writers will argue that instead of structured lines and free verse being adversaries, they are perhaps more like cousins-related and equally important to world of poetry. I have heard many poets state that they have far less difficulty expressing themselves when they have no meter or rhyme scheme to follow. Still others have stated that it can be difficult to read free verse because the flow is not as easy to find as it is in a more structured poetic form.
Like everything in life, there are pros and cons to both structure and free verse. I will list a few below.
Structured Lines
Pros: The flow is generally easy to find and follow, usually ensuring a smooth read; many poetic forms are based on structure, rhyme and consistent flow; having a structure can challenge the poet, encouraging artistic growth.
Cons: It can be difficult to find rhyming words that sufficiently express your point or emotion; some structures ask for a larger meter than your point requires causing you to use unnecessary words just to satisfy the requirement
Free Verse
Pros: No restrictions; No requirements; having freedom from structure can challenge the poet, encouraging artistic growth
Cons: There can be difficulty finding the flow in non-metered pieces; Lack of structure can make free verse look disorganized
I have just recently begun to explore different poetic forms. It is quite liberating to branch out and try new forms of poetic expression. I have always written rhyming, metered structured lines. Lately, I have been challenging myself as a poet to try styles that imply the laws of free verse-where rhyme is unnecessary, even outlawed. Though it has been difficult, it has indeed been a growth experience. And growth, I find, is very important to the world of writing poetry. We all have the ability to break the mold; I encourage you all to do so. Our words have the power to change lives, even the world.
For information on many poetic forms, please check out the following link. I am positive that you will find it very enlightening. http://www.voicesnet.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=crittech There are many topics on poetry forms, that means plenty of opportunities to learn something new.
Copyright 2004 - VoicesNet
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WINNERS AND AWARDS FOR VOICESNET ANTHOLOGY 8 ANNOUNCED
Congratulations are extended to Christopher Farris of the United States for having his poem called "The Worship of Tears" selected as the winner of the 8th VoicesNet Anthology Poetry Competition.
Second Place was awarded to Ravie Lyer of India for "Waiting for Her".
Richard Butler of the United States won third place for his poem called "Losing Words”.
These poems were selected from 4,932 total submissions in the contest. The Special Recognition Awardees list and other additional information can be found at http://www.voicesnet.org/VoicesAnthology8Results.aspx.
There are 837 poems that will be published in the Contest Book series.
Congratulations to all poets who contributed their deeply personal poems.
Here is the winning poem:
The Worship of Tears
The rain speaks to my heart,
It tells me of its hurried journey
From the night sky
It speaks in a loud chorus
Of shattered wine glasses
And thunderous rage
Drowning all sound and sin
From the ears of the dead
And the dying
Drenching me in the sorrow of the stars
And shrouding me in the mourning
Of the moon
I raise my hands to this siren's symphony,
As though to be lifted by Christ
Into the heavens
And I close my eyes to the night's tears
And raise my head in worship
To the starless sky
copyright to Christopher Farris 2004
VoicesNet Visions Literary Journal
Executive Editor: Jeff Humphrey - Managing Editor: Melyssa Sprott Copyright 2004
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