Writing a Nonet Poem
Can you write a nonet poem? A nonet consists of nine lines, start at nine syllables in the first line and going down from there. The nonet is a poetic form that can contain any rhyming scheme and cover any subject matter.
The nonet is similar to the etheree poetry form, which consists of ten lines. In the etheree, each line’s syllable count increases as it goes along. The first line contains one syllable, the second line contains two, and so on until the final line. These two forms travel in opposite directions, you might say.
These are great. The shrinking, disappearing lines are very moving.
ReplyDeleteThank you Liz. The notion of shrinking and disappearing is one that appeals. It adds an urgency to word choice.
DeleteNice! I'll have to try a nonet.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt about Ruth. It's Nonet time!
DeleteSolitude and compassion for others -- perfect is right! Have you seen Irene's book of nonets? It just came out this year: https://irenelatham.com/nonet_reviews.html
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment Tabatha. I am currently waiting for Irene's book to land on my far away doorstep- any day now.
DeleteI think I've tried a nonet, but am not sure. I've been writing etherees recently & shared a double one today, Alan. I love that you've found a way in your nonet to make our time a good one, a perfect one for the good in all of us. I was going to mention Irene's book too, which I gave to my younger granddaughter who turned nine in July - "perfect"!
ReplyDeleteHaving tried Etherees, this seemed to be a logical extension Linda. As I mentioned to Tabatha, I have ordered Irene's book and find myself impatient for its delivery Down Under! Glad you enjoyed my little poem as well.
DeleteHi Alan, I was listening to a podcast yesterday and the notion that deadlines make "us" more creative is true. It seems that there is research (oh gosh, don't ask me to cite it) that suggests that when there are constructs and boundaries in our way, humans can get immensely creative. It made me realize that poetry forms are fun for me because of this...and, I see in the nonet and the urgency to dwindle down to that last perfect syllable there is a bit of a pressure to find just the right one. Neat! I am in love with sunset's kiss! Let us know when you have the book!
ReplyDeleteYou have raised some pertinent points here Linda. The interconnectedness of creativity and constraints is most apparent in current times. It makes the Nonet form perfect for the challenges of these days. We need this spark, this dare, this shrinking opportunity to respond sometimes. I shall certainly be sharing Irene's book in the near future, along with a couple of other recently acquired 'gems.'
DeleteI usually build nonets and etherees from one syllable to nine or ten, but I like the satisfying way yours and Jeanne's end with the punctuation of a single syllable. (I also love Linda B.'s doubles -- they breathe out and breathe in again.)
ReplyDeleteProcess is unique to each of us Mary Lee. I like the analogy you make with breathing too. I must try the double as Linda has done.
DeleteForms like this are always harder than they look! I appreciate your outlook, Alan, and how you make the reader pause and think—using "perfect times" to describe these times that are anything but.
ReplyDeleteYou are spot on Michelle. The making, or construction of these poems is harder than the end product would appear to suggest. I am glad you appreciate what I was attempting to do with my portrayal of perfect times. It was a considered response to a groundswell of negativity to the efforts to combat the virus scourge. So many in our poetry community have approached this time in creative and hopeful ways. I have tried to convey a sense of optimism and stickability and have gained succour from the sustained efforts of so many around me. It inspires one to hold tight to the image of a better time ahead.
DeleteI like the concept of starting with nine and ending with one., dramatic. These times have had perfect moments of reflection for sure. I will have have to try the nonet.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear the Nonet hit the right note with you Jone. They do indeed achieve something of a dramatic end.
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