The Crossing Place

[David Campbell]

Vic's observation is a timely reminder of the danger of getting stuck in a rut, both in terms of style and content. It can be disconcerting to look back over several years of poems and notice how much of a 'sameness' there is about many of them.

As a matter of mathematical interest regarding metre and rhyme, Wikipedia lists 7 metric variations and 33 sample rhyme schemes...which gives (in theory, at least) a total of 231 different ways of structuring our poetry. Of course, that doesn't include using multiple metres in the same poem, creating internal rhymes, or inventing a new rhyme scheme altogether. Put that together with the scope for poems that don't involve creaking saddles and sunsets through gum trees and there would seem to be quite a few options available!

Cheers
David

[Heather]

I wonder if I'll live long enough to try them all!

David I don't see a "sameness" in my poems. I think I get bored pretty quickly with one style and move on to the next. It's all a learning process.

Speaking of mathematics, I have a theory that it may be easier for people with a mathematical brain to think up or catch on to new metrical schemes. I don't have a mathematical bone in my body (nah, just checked, pretty sure I don't) and find it difficult - but once I "hear" a rhythm it catches on. Does that make sense?

Heathe r

[keats]

I just learnt a song on a similar theme called The Legend Of Morrison Swamp by Brandon Strickland (USA). Why do I learn it? For the same reason I love your poem. Short, buy a lot of vivid image in there. As someone said, haunting, but like a eerie echo. Memorable and provoking. That is a lot for 12 lines!! So a bloody great job, Heather. Keep experimenting, there are no shackles or rules. Only those who restrain themselves by believing that there are.

And glad you liked O'Leary. I'd forgotten about that poem.

Neil

[David Campbell]

Heather, I'm not sure about a link between mathematics and the ability to catch on to a rhythm...it's probably more likely to do with an affinity for the tempo of music. Some have it, some don't, and you obviously do if you can internalise it so easily.

With regard to 'sameness', I've always tried to vary my poems as much as possible, but someone pointed out a few months ago that I use a lot of internal rhyme...and, looking back, that was spot on! Hadn't realised it until then. I also discovered quite a few repeated images...something like the 'sunsets through gum trees' syndrome that Vic mentions. Hard to avoid entirely, I suppose, but it woke me up to the need to be a little more careful.

Cheers
David

[Heather]

Thanks very much Neil. O'Leary is one of those tunes that I can't get out of my head once I think of it....damn you man!

David you've put your finger on the reason we all need someone that we trust to read our work and give an honest appraisal. It is so easy to miss little mistakes in any form of writing when you are too familiar with it. I detest it when I show my work to someone and all I get is "that's good" - I want to know why it's good, or not good - what they enjoyed about it or didn't - I may not always agree but sometimes I can pick up something to improve what I've written.

Heather

[r.magnay]

...oooh! 'detest'! I will be very careful not to simply compliment you anymore without a full explanation about the compliment....do you work for a government department by any chance?.....

[Heather]

You're learning!

Ross, right now I'd work for anyone that gave me a job that didn't involve being on my feet for hours, and hours, and hours.....

[Terry]

Hi Heather, Nice poem.

I haven't had time to read all the replies, but talking of rhyming I notice I seem to have little burst of a particular rhyming Pattern, then move on to another, my favourite pattern I seldom seem to use, at the moment I seem to be using a lot of internal rhymes.
Internal rhymes work well, but when using them you need to be ever vigilant against forced rhymes.

Over the years there has been a lot of wonderful poems written using the simplest of rhyming patterns, but it's always good to try new ideas.

Terry

[Bob Pacey]

Well I reckon it was good Just because !


Bob

[r.magnay]

..careful what you wish for Heather....there is a line there but I think I will let it go!...