A few of us had a discussion on the differences between ‘Free’ and ‘Strict’ form poetry. The topic still intrigues me so as an exercise I took an older piece ‘Land of Sin’ which was free form and tried to write it in strict form. I chose to re-write as a Villanelle and although it was never going to translate exactly from free form, I only managed to get the gist into the villanelle. Possibly a different, less strict structure would fare better.
I’ve posted the original after the new write. Both are very different and I can’t decide which I like best. I like the flow of both and the classic way the villanelle reads but also I like the detail and ‘punch’ of the original which better suits the subject. Opinions welcome.
A Deep Burning Shame
Do you know that life is not a game
Or for some it’s forever hurt and fight
Do you not feel a deep burning shame
What does it matter it’s only a name
Do not what you want but what is right
Do you know that life is not a game
You say you care but it’s always the same
They lie in dark you while walk in light
Do you not feel a deep burning shame
You despise the poor then applaud fame
And avert eyes to ignore the sight
Do you know that life is not a game
You offer no hand to help the lame
or raise an arm against evil might
Do you not feel a deep burning shame
Do you now see how we’re all to blame
Then ask yourself in tone clear and bright
Do you know that life is not a game
Do you not feel a deep burning shame
LAND OF SIN
Always on the Stairs
her Life is silence
Mum sell her Wares
surrounded by violence
Though no blame, it’s always the same,
You claim to cry, then walk on by.
He holds out a Cup
asks his God again
not to wake up
so no more pain
Have you a part, deep in your Heart
to forget the cost and save the Lost
The voice she hears
destroys her Mind
no help for years
til a Body they find
It’s not a Game, don’t you feel shame,
you want to do more, then forget what you saw
He lives in Halls
clutching his Phone
there are no calls
he sits all alone
Are you aware, do you not care
under the Skin , lies a Land of Sin
This is an oft-played debate. I do all forms and I think each piece has its own charm and it’s totally upto the poet as to how he/she wants to give shape to his/her thoughts/ emotions. Personally speaking, if I’m trying to compress a piece into a concrete form, I may have to make use of my brains to adhere to the rules of that particular form. Whereas free verse, as the name suggests, is free-flowing and that has its own beauty. But then, poetry is beautiful no matter what form.it takes, no? I must read your poem thouroughly, both the versions..Great post, Nigel!
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First, thank you for commenting. I’m new to specific forms and have little practical experience. It intrigues me, as do most things, when writing in strict form that as you say you must access different areas of the brain. My blog is loosely built around my personal take on art of all forms, that it is when imagination and intellect combine that the magic happens. For me, I need to feel emotion and have my thoughts turned on. As you say it is a personal thing . Thanks again for your comment.
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In the photo, they both look like they could use some mending, don’t they?
I like both of these poems. You know the villanelle is a favorite of mine. I think the repetitive nature of the form is effective in drilling home important points in the subject matter.
The second one really has an emotional impact. I agree that it allows for a little more detail to be added, and it certainly has the punch you mention. That last line ties it all together nicely.
I tend to like forms because I feel like the structure guides me if I’m at a loss as to what to write. I can see where one might find them limiting, but the only limits are what we put on our own imagination. It does take a different mental effort when you’re working with forms. Free verse is fun, obviously more freeing and one doesn’t have to think about rhyme scheme, syllable count, etc.
All forms, even no form…it’s all good.
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Thank you for commenting. You’ve made some interesting points from the point of view of someone who prefers strict form whereas most of us straddle the fence. I’ve decided I prefer to write free form. Yes they do both need some mending ! But I also chose it because children often display and act with great care and empathy that can put adults to shame.
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