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
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.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the feedback Kimberly. We shared a rhyming bent it seems.
DeleteSo. 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!
ReplyDeleteSo true Irene. It is indeed fun to push back against an identified tendency and extend the bounds of possibility as poets.
DeleteI will try, but sometimes (sigh), it's not easy to make, without a mistake (an error). You inspired me, Alan. Terrific!
ReplyDeleteLove it Linda! So glad you're inspired. Great things often emerge from inspiration.
DeleteClever!! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kat.
DeleteFun in verse and visually too Alan, along with a good challenge, thanks!
ReplyDeleteChallenge is good. Appreciate that aspect of ‘making’ poetry. Thanks for the feedback Michelle
DeleteWhat 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!
ReplyDeleteI like your thoughts around this dilemma between rhyme and free verse Catherine. Sometimes the poem guides us and sometimes we guide the poem.
DeleteFun!
ReplyDeleteThat’s what it’s all about Mary Lee!
Delete