Poets are frequently attracted to the notion of wordplay. It can be an irresistible force at times. I am happy to admit, I find wordplay compelling. I give into its call quite frequently. Furthermore, I never tire of its allure...
It also explains why I enjoy the poetry of Michael Rosen, Brian Bilston, Roger McGough, Shel Silverstein, Pam Ayres, Jack Prelutsky, Roger Stevens, Max Fatchen and Brian Moses. Elements of their poetry radiate with language contortions and a fair degree of fun and humour.
It also explains why I enjoy the poetry of Michael Rosen, Brian Bilston, Roger McGough, Shel Silverstein, Pam Ayres, Jack Prelutsky, Roger Stevens, Max Fatchen and Brian Moses. Elements of their poetry radiate with language contortions and a fair degree of fun and humour.
Word play Defined
A witty or clever form of verbal expression, meant for fun and amusement. Commonly used in literature, poetry, and spoken word genres. It involves the exploitation of the meanings and ambiguities of words.
There are many forms of word play techniques, e.g., pun, spoonerism, slang, acrostic, euphemism, and oxymoron, just to name a few.
So, here are a couple of examples where wordplay is very much a guiding influence in the making of the poems.
A witty or clever form of verbal expression, meant for fun and amusement. Commonly used in literature, poetry, and spoken word genres. It involves the exploitation of the meanings and ambiguities of words.
There are many forms of word play techniques, e.g., pun, spoonerism, slang, acrostic, euphemism, and oxymoron, just to name a few.
So, here are a couple of examples where wordplay is very much a guiding influence in the making of the poems.
Sizing Up Harriet
Harriet Smawl
Lived in the remote village of Large.
She developed a reputation
As a fortune-teller,
And soothsayer.
She was known
Far and wide,
As that Smawl medium from Large.
Alan j Wright.
Barefoot
Con Tessa
Stood on the headland
Surveying the beach.
The sea wore a welcoming look.
Con kicked off his Birkenstocks
And commenced to trudge
Across the sandy dunes.
In that instant he became,
-The barefoot Con Tessa.
Alan j Wright.
It is once again Poetry Friday and our host this week is Michelle Kogan who is celebrating Holidaze!
Oh, my goodness...I'm giggling in my dark kitchen before getting ready for school. These are great, Alan. Thanks for the fun. You are super at word play!
ReplyDeleteGiggling is a most welcome response, Linda. Thank you for your exuberant response.
DeleteYou are so funny! Love the Smawl medium from large. The Barefoot Contessa cooked up more than just soup.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janice. Glad you saw my little poems in this way.
DeleteHA! Well done! I can never remember punchlines, let alone write them!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary Lee. Punchlines are mercurial things. Sometimes they emerge easily, while on other occasions they remain elusive.
DeleteOh what fun these are Alan! I love both of them and especially your sizing up ending lines—would love to meet Harriet one day… thanks!
ReplyDeleteGlad they appealed in this way, Michelle. They were fun to write, too.
DeleteLong live wordplay! The best beginning to any poem, sad or serious included.
ReplyDeleteLong live wordplay, indeed, Heidi. Opportunities arise continually in our poetry writing. We just have to be ready to catch them.
DeleteI really enjoyed the Sizing up Harriet poem! That was fun. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tim. I'm glad Harriet hit the mark. It was fun in the making too...
DeleteYou are the KING of clever word play, Alan! " Smawl medium from Large" - Ha! Thanks for the LOL. :)
ReplyDeleteOh Bridget- too kind. It was a Mel Brooks character who uttered the words-'It's fun to be the King!'
DeleteGlad it brought on a laugh...
Heehee! I think of all poetry as playing with words. Even though I don't write many punny poems, it always feels fun to sit down and start sifting words. Thanks for sharing these, and for your lovely comment on my own post. Condolences on your loss, too.
ReplyDelete