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Poetry Friday - No Rhyme Poem


Image result for unrhyming

Wordplay presents as a strong element in my poetry. I recognize it and readily embrace it. So the following poem is grounded in the tradition of playing with words. I have a natural tendency to slide into rhyme. It sings strongly in my sometimes muddled mind.

This poem gently pushes back on my rhyming predilection by employing synonyms to deny the rhyme. I feel like I'm telling rhyme to talk to the hand on this occasion. 

In the process, it was fun playing with words, as one might expect. As I say in the poem, don't get me wrong, I enjoy rhyme. I hear it constantly as I negotiate my day. Poetry exists in everyday talk. Often it goes unnoticed. Personally, I note it while quietly enjoying its presence. I even have my own rhyming dictionary...



No Rhyme This Time Occasion


I’m trying to stop this poem from rhyming

But I find my anxiety is steadily climbing increasing

Words keep forming in my mind

You know the ones

The usual rhyming kind sort

A childhood filled with rhyming verse

Just makes the situation worse poorer

I’ll stay alert

So those rhymes do not intrude

I’ll find other words

With which to conclude end

Don’t get me wrong

Rhyme is okay

I just want this poem to form

In a whole different way manner

Alan j Wright



Consider This: 
Try unrhyming a poem by substituting 
some suitable synonyms. 



Comments

  1. Great poem, Alan! Most of my poetry ends up rhyming, too, and I'm trying to force myself to work a bit on free verse.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the feedback Kimberly. We shared a rhyming bent it seems.

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  2. So. Much. Fun! We all have our tendencies as poets, don't we? I love how this one so joyfully pushes back. Bravo for challenging your own boundaries!

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    Replies
    1. So true Irene. It is indeed fun to push back against an identified tendency and extend the bounds of possibility as poets.

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  3. I will try, but sometimes (sigh), it's not easy to make, without a mistake (an error). You inspired me, Alan. Terrific!

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    Replies
    1. Love it Linda! So glad you're inspired. Great things often emerge from inspiration.

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  4. Fun in verse and visually too Alan, along with a good challenge, thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Challenge is good. Appreciate that aspect of ‘making’ poetry. Thanks for the feedback Michelle

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  5. What a fun challenge! Rhyming does not always come easily to me, but there are times when it just pops into my head. Then it's hard to hear the lines any other way, even if they have shifted the tone in a direction I hadn't intended. Writing always surprises, doesn't it? Thank you for sharing, Alan!

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    Replies
    1. I like your thoughts around this dilemma between rhyme and free verse Catherine. Sometimes the poem guides us and sometimes we guide the poem.

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