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Imitation of Style in Poetry

In his 1954 poem, '13 ways of Looking at a Blackbird,' Wallace Stevens wrote thirteen short verses providing different images of blackbirds. 

Michelle McGrane adopted a similar stance in writing her poem 'Thirteen Ways With Figs' where she wrote 13 slightly longer stanzas. 

Looking at a particular  object from different perspectives  we learn to trust the images that offer themselves up.

I decided to imitate the style of these earlier poets to inform my own poetry writing. I chose as my subject the enduring image of a large oak tree that stood in the yard of our family home, when I was growing up.


I have modified the format of the earlier poems slightly, choosing to use seven, three line stanzas. The lines possess a consistent brevity.

Oak Tree Perspectives

Shade giver, 

Backrest

For a young reader


Autumn giveaways

Golden vestments

Shed 


Time resistor

 Gnarled weathered skin

Mossy trunk


Climbing frame

Lookout spot

For spying eyes


An acorn carpet

Bordering your base

Offspring


Strong, enduring 

Force of nature

Mighty oak.

©Alan j Wright


It's Poetry Friday again and our host is Michelle Kogan. Michelle is delivering a little stardust with her post on this occasion.  She likes looking up to the sky for hope and inspiration. Before bed each night, she instinctively looks out her window checking on moon and stars above for inspiration. By visiting Michelle, you'll also discover what a host of other poets are doing at this time of the year...






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Comments

  1. Linda Mitchell18 December 2020 at 22:47

    Alan, this is beautiful! I love being in conversation with other poets as you are here. You take the discussion a bit further. That autumn giveaway is wonderful! My daughter and I have been watching the show, 'Repair Shop' on Netflix. She's 20 and watches it for the interesting craft...I marvel at the strong connection people have to objects from childhood. I love that this tree is still yours.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright19 December 2020 at 09:16

      The influence of other poets is something we must readily acknowledge, particularly around style and form., so your point is well made Linda. Coupled with that is the influence of childhood object and connections. You have reminded me of the connection that has taken place here. I like your last sentence.

      Delete
  2. Jean James19 December 2020 at 03:08

    I really enjoyed reading your poem, and the background of perspective!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Janice Scully19 December 2020 at 04:44

    I have a photo like this. I like looking up from the base of a tree. So much to this tree, its age, its acorns, its usefulness and beauty that you captured in your verse. Thank you, Alan, for sharing your poem.

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    1. Alan j Wright19 December 2020 at 09:21

      Taking time to gaze up at majestic trees is a past time we share Janice. So glad you took these perspectives from the poem.

      Delete
  4. Ruth19 December 2020 at 07:14

    I love this! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. michelle kogan19 December 2020 at 15:53

    I love your whole post Alan– it's strong and sturdy like the oak tree and reaches out in all directions like it's wonderful branches in your image. What a grand idea, grand tree to grow up with, and lovely rhythm in your poem, thanks!

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    1. Alan j Wright19 December 2020 at 17:41

      I appreciate the enthusiastic response to my post Michelle. My old oak tree stands tall once more. Thank you for your kind remarks.

      Delete
  6. mbhmaine19 December 2020 at 23:36

    Oh, this tree! and Oh this post! I appreciate the link to past poets and how you've taken the inspiration and adapted it. What a glorious tree and what a beautiful tribute to it you've created in each stanza. Love the photo, too!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright21 December 2020 at 17:25

      Thank you Molly for your enthusiastic response to my oak tree recollections and the influences surrounding it.

      Delete
  7. maryecronin20 December 2020 at 01:08

    Wonderful post, Alan, and such a good reminder to look deeply, to pause, to dwell in the various perspectives we can gain to lingering. Thank you!

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    1. Alan j Wright21 December 2020 at 17:27

      Mary, I find myself in fierce agreement with you regarding the need to pause, dwell and linger in order to obtain the necessary perspectives we writers need.

      Delete
  8. Tabatha20 December 2020 at 11:56

    I had too many favorite lines to pick just one! Very nice, Alan.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright21 December 2020 at 17:28

      Glad the overall response was a favourable one Tabatha.

      Delete
  9. Carol Varsalona21 December 2020 at 03:13

    Alan, the poem is full of descriptive features of the mighty oak tree. I especially like Stannza 2: Autumn giveaways/Golden vestments/Shed. I thought those lines would be a fitting closing statement for the last edition of Abundant Autumn Gallery. Would you consider offering that with a photo of a bare tree? I probably would place that stanza in next week's PF.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright21 December 2020 at 17:30

      Thank you Carol. Will endeavour to follow up your request.

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