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.
So here is an example of a Nonet Poem from Jeanne McGee
Solitude 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
I 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"!
Having 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.
Hi 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!
You 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.'
I 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.)
Forms 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.
You 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.
I 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.
This poem by Australian poet Bruce Dawe epitomises the unique connection sporting tragics have to their preferred football teams, -an almost tribal allegiance. Each season supporters stare down the twin imposters- victory and defeat. They remain both loyal and hopeful of eventual triumph. This poem refers specifically to Australian Rules Football, but it's themes are universal. I share this poem on the eve of the 2017 Grand Final to decide the Premiership for this football season. My team, the Richmond Tigers have reached the play off to decide the ultimate victor. They have not contested the Grand Final match for 35 years. My hopes fly with them. This poem links two of my great loves -football and poetry... Life Cycle When children are born in Victoria they are wrapped in club-colours, laid in beribboned cots, having already begun a lifetime’s barracking. Carn, they cry, Carn … feebly at first while parents playfully tussle with them for possession of a rusk: Ah, he
Poets not only write poetry, they also read poetry. In order to be able to write poetry, one must read it. Lots of poetry in fact... I want to share a short little poem by Valerie Worth. I bought Valerie's book, 'All The Small Poems And Fourteen More,' while living and working in New York, some time back. It remains a personal favourite. I love the way the poet shines a special light on everyday objects, transforming them into something unique and worthy of attention. Her close observations elevate her poems into the special category. Each poem in the collection celebrates earthly wonders. From eggs to garbage, from potatoes to pockets, each object is given special attention in the form of short poems employing keen observations. Valerie Worth demonstrates through her poems she totally understands the saying-'ideas exist in things.' The poem I have chosen to share with you (one of my personal favourites) is titled, 'Safety Pin'. S af
O pp o s ite P oem s In his book, ' How To Write Poetry,' Paul Janeczko presents the idea of opposite poems. Paul suggests they could also be referred to as antonym poems. This is wordplay and it's fun to try. Here are some examples Paul provides to help us see very clearly how these short little poems work. I think the opposite of chair Is sitting down with nothing there What is the opposite of kind? A goat that butts you from behind Paul Janeczko You will notice the poems are written in rhyming couplets. They can be extended so long as you remember to write in couplets. Paul shows us how this is done. What is the opposite of new? Stale gum that's hard to chew A hot-dog roll as hard as rock Or a soiled and smelly forgotten sock You might notice that some of Paul's opposite Poems begin with a question. The remainder of the poem answer the question posed. Opposite poems are a challenge, but it is a challenge worth trying. Not e
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.
Delete