Take the same idea as a sonnet, but don't worry about rhymes. Concern yourself with selling a strong volta on line 9. End with a summary 2s'er (All freestyle 14lines). Alexandine lines are good, heroic better (Alexandrine being 7 syllables, heroic 10). Remember it's hard to sell a complaint on a vista, unless the volta is a total change in scene.

Attached Link: http://members.aol.com/silverpoetrycafe/poetrydefs.htm

But let's see if we can hard a port, or do a full 360. The key is to make the change pronounced. Let today's tempest blow foul; For in a latter day the gentle kiss of breeze will rule; And change that cruel morn, Where lies six-inches of snow on ground; to sun and sand and warm.

Glad to see another challenge for the poetry people, I'll be having a go. Thanks for the link jstro. I needed it. Who knows, one day I might manage to post a poem that actually follows some of the criteria of the challenges! I'll be so happy. But probably not this time. Shanna :-)

Well this is a true challenge for me. I've never really understood free verse, so have no idea how to write it. But I took a stab at it anyway. Can we do more than one? Storm Front J. M. Strother The tempest rises on strong sudden winds, As the skies darken to that eerie green. Now flash of lightning, then roll of thunder; So off to the cellar we quickly go, To cower there from the approaching storm. My wide eyed children tremble so with fear, Helpless, I hold them closely to my breast; Above, we hear the roaring of the beast. Then all is quiet. Outside, song birds herald now new blue skies. In joyous praise we gladly raise our eyes.

A little short Jon...You've got the eight lines on the complaint, but only one one the volta and your summary couplet. You don't have to write about wind.. the gig is on change. The six lines in the volta are the main course here, so go ahead and give it another go. I've got to write a model here methinks...BTW the thread closes 1730 est March 31 and since that's April 1st for all you Europeans, I'm not foolin'

I need to go back and look at the sonnet thread to refresh my memory as to form. Don't worry, I'll give it another shot. jon

Here is some help for people that are wondering what is a sonnet and form? Lets see, hummm, a sonnet? I haven't written a sonnet since, hummm, I can't remember. Anyway, there are two kinds of sonnets. Italian and English, also known as Petrarchan and Shakespearean. The Petrarchans first eight lines are called an octave with a rhyming scheme of abbaabba. and the next six lines are called a sestet with a rhyming scheme of cdcdcd. The English sonnet has three quatrains of abab, cdcd, efef, followed by a couplet gg. And then there is Edmund Spencer, And me, I will write a Sonneet.

LIAR I've seen the way you look at me, From the corner of my eye. And if you think I've seen you, You look away and just smile. I've watched you watch me walk, When you think I can not see. I have heard you thinking thought, Of what you would do with me. Every time you come over, You come to be with just me. Many hours we spent together, And you never want to leave. Tell me you always did care! Go ahead, lay your soul bare!

Perhaps we could have some tutorials on poetry writing, I'm kind of feeling about I'm no poet And I know it level on this poetry challenge business Every bit of help posted just leaves me with more questions, although it's all appreciated of course. You could twist Crescents arm, in the nicest possible way and get them posted in the tips section of the Library. Shanna :-) Ignorance aint bliss

Yes I would, but as you can see in my spur o' moment poem, I am not always that good. I can do the tips, though. I have studied some.

Shanna, awayne2 wrote these lines in Alexandrine form, seven syllable count. When I was referring to Heroic lines that was a ten syllable count. Its easier for most of us to write in the Alexandrine because its more like the way we talk. To add that little bit extra on the line is where the bit-the-challenge lay.

Right, so, would I be following the correct form of the challenge to begin I tried to write a poem that would fit But found the forms slipped from my scattered mind Snatched at half formed lines and unknown concepts Grasped my pen and fought for inspiration (more 10 syllable stuff for 4 more lines of "moaning") (then 4 x 10 syllable lines of "ah ha I've got it!") (then 2 x 10 syllable lines that rhyme of "nah nah I can do it!") Obviously my "quoted" examples are meant to be taken with a pinch of salt. Shanna :-)

Okay, this is, as a poem, as bad a piece of poetry as you are ever likely to see, but that is not the point. I think I've finally started to get the hang of this challenge. Apart from committing a crime against the literate world, did I make it fit the challenge? So here goes: One More Step Away From Stupid. I tried to write a poem that would fit But found the trick slipped from my scattered mind Snatched at half formed lines and unknown concepts Grasped my pen and fought for inspiration Daunted by the help so kindly offered Furious at my incomprehension Banged my head so hard on my computer Had to seek a doctor for a bandage And yet, my poor split head did me some good For suddenly an idea killed the pain Those hours of puzzling were all well spent Just count the syllables to play this game In poems as in prose I scrawl with glee This challenge business now makes sense to me Shanna :-) hopping up and down, chanting (heroically) "By Jove, I think she's finally got it"

YEAH!! That was great Shanna. See, It is not so hard when you quit thinkin' bout it an' jes' do it. LOL

At What Price? Age, too high a price to pay for wisdom, Knowledge is not worth the bitter price paid; Nor, the passing of the plans youth has laid, That tumble to earth like withered blossoms. Flesh once firm and soft withers and weathers, Beauty dims and character takes over; Hands that once soothed and caressed a lover; Are grained now like the finest of leathers. Yet, a mischievous twinkle in her eye, And a childlike wonder at all abound; Though life may batter her body around, Her soul still remembers the way to fly. From youth to age our heroine marches, With head held high; if on falling arches!

Ok I had a blip there said it was deleted.

Very good Charmz. It touched me and made me draw pictures in my mind, as I read your thought.

When does this one end? I still need to try and get something in that fits the rules. Hope I'm not too late. jon

To Charmz I keep coming back to read it again and agin. The rythm, the rhyme scheme, the sylable count. I just can't get over it. You did an excelent job on this sonnet. Milton would be envious.

Rain Beads of water cling to the windows front; The world reflected in every drop. Streetlights glow with the colors of Christmas. And in the wines reflection the room sways Looking for a way out or the way back. It all looks better than it really is. Perhaps remnants of the love we shared still stored in the curtains and furniture. The soothing breeze rolling across the plain. Shirley Jones sings to a beautiful morn. You never liked it, but I think of you Beneath that sky in your favorite dress. Another world in a bead of water Growing larger only to fall away.

Hey Joe good to hear you're in on this one good luck

Hi. I'm new. Really new. My brother sent me a link, saying that you all had a good writers' board going and thought I might be interested. I explored this forum the other day and have to say you all've got something special going here. Most other boards I've found are either too soft on each other or a bit on the egotistical side. You seem to encourage and challenge each other, instead.

This challenge has been lurking at the back of my mind for days. Won't leave me alone. Would you all consider it too terribly rude of me to hop in with an attempt so soon after waving hello?

Lu

Of course not. This is open to everyone. Good luck and welcome!

More people, more fun, more challenge, more feedback. Welcome Shanna :-)

Thanks for the welcome! I didn't want to just barge in, but I had so much fun with this last night, I confess, I was itching to share it.

OK. I combined the Petrarchan and Shakespearean forms (it was late!) with an octave of ababcdcd and a sestet of efgefg.

Raining Cats and Frogs

When angels weep and startled toads descend
from out the cloud-veiled heavens in a burst
of rain, my common sense leaps to defend
my brain from overload. Unless were cursed
with Egypts ancient plagues I cant see how
amphibians can shower from above.
And why not larger beasts (perhaps a cow)
the cherubs out of heaven thus might shove?
Still, since these frogs are croaking round my feet
the best of it I set myself to make
by putting to good use what hast been given.
Trefuse angelic bounty is not meet,
so I will set aside my taste for steak
and glut on frog-legs lightning-fried in heaven.

If this offends anyone's poetic sensibilities, I apologise. Sometimes traditional form just seems to be crying out for ridiculosity to be applied.

Were we allowed to write lines that rhyme then? Your poem made me laugh luisearch. I'm glad you posted it. Shanna :-)

I would allow the rhyme, but lose the points for form as it was suppose to follow a set pattern. I don't see a real complaint or volta here as the work is more of a straight up 14 liner. Congrats on your new baby...teach her well, keep her away from any stray viruses, protect her behind a firewall and backup everything. If you don't life will byte.

I just messed with the rhymes for fun, mostly. We weren't supposed to worry about them, necessarily, though. Or should I NOT have used them? The volta turn is indicated by the word "still". I intended for the narrator to turn at this point from a confusion and mild dissatisfaction with the frog storm to contentment or acceptance through his/her solution. You're right about the form. I've been fiddling. Here's a revision: When angels weep and startled toads descend from out the cloud-veiled heavens in a burst of rain, I strain in efforts to defend my brain from overload. Unless were cursed with Egypts ancient plagues I cant see how amphibians can shower from above. And why not larger beasts (perhaps a cow) the cherubs out of heaven thus might shove? Still, since these frogs are croaking round my feet the best of it I set myself to make. Trefuse angelic bounty is not meet, so I will set aside my taste for steak and, putting to good use what hast been given, will glut on frog-legs lightning-fried in heaven. Better? :)

I think Shanna was concerned because it changes the point totals. It's harder to score a freestyle poem and the points are usually lower on the other hand a word barrage send points through the roof. I was asked to score lose yourself by eminem and I had a 5.6 in the first two stanzas. Rhymes are an easy point, so I can understand her concern.

Oh my. I had no idea you were using an actual point system. Do you have a copy of the system you might post or send me, so I understand what's going on a little better? I'm sorry. I had no idea. . . I write poetry quite a bit, but very rarely ever in full rhyming form; as I said I was just messing around with this. Could you entirely disregard the rhyming part of the point system for this? Would you prefer I take it down? Or, if you'd like, you could just chuck mine out entirely this time around, especially since I'm new on here; haven't yet earned my keep, that sort of thing? Not intending to cause quite such a mess, Lu

Hi Guys. Sorry about the misunderstanding with my sister. I refered her to Renderosity as I found it to be one of the best sites to "safely" challenge ones creativity. When I did I think she thought that I had used the site for years and knew my way around. Sorry sis I only knew about it for the last few years and just recently opened a membership. She really can write if you manage to get her to stop spraying cheese wiz like silly sting around the room. :)~ Sibling rivalry really is one of the best challenges I have come across. Just want you guys to know she was pleased with the feedback even if she can't find the rule sets on what how and where to post. (I am still working on that for my own type of creative works) Anyway just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the poetry on this string. Really is some awe inspiring stuff here and I look forward to seeing more. GL and don't let her scare yah she's safe we removed her teeth and had her declawed:) GL with the contest to all:) DreamGlide

I was just asking if we were allowed to lines that rhyme because I find it easier to rhyme than not. The challenge this month (as best I can tell, so I might be wrong) was to write a 14 line poem, each with 10 syllables. The first eight were to be the 'complaint' (remember, the title of the challenge is "The Winds of Change") then four lines of change (I think that's the volta bit, but I'm probably wrong) then two lines of conclusion (a summary couplet) I'm told, by those who know, that Charmz poem fits the challenge criteria beautifully, so I'd look at her entry above for enlightenment if I were you. I'm pretty sure our moderator Crescent posted a plea for people to stop apologising every time they posted a while back. Just enjoy yourself, and let others enjoy reading what you post. Shanna :-)

That was well said shanna :-). pay no attention to what I wrote, as I was just trying to show people what a sonnet was once concidered sonneet. I will write a sonneet. just do it people! don't worry about winning or not, just do it. Here is your free, roundtoit! LOL

Firstborn Nine months I carried you beneath my heart; You growing heavier every passing week. My waist disappeared and my bladder shrank, My ankles swelled and my poor back ached. I wondered why I had chosen this path- I gritted my teeth as the pains began. Hours I panted and strained to bring you forth, There were moments I wished the world would end. But when I cradled you for the first time, Looking, awed, at your precious little face, All pain and doubts were driven far away And wonderful joy filled my proud heart. Labor complete, I held you to my breast, We both settled down for a well earned rest.

OK, I'm releasing this patch. :-) Storm Front J. M. Strother The tempest rises on strong sudden winds, As the skies darken to that eerie green. Now flash of lightning, then roll of thunder; So off to the cellar we quickly go, To cower there from the approaching storm. My wide eyed children tremble so with fear, Helpless, I hold them closely to my breast; Above, we hear the roaring of the beast. Then just as quickly as the tempest came, A stillness falls upon the out of doors. We strain our ears, find that all is quiet. And soon sunshine peaks through the window panes. Outside, song birds herald now new blue skies. In joyous praise we gladly raise our eyes.

Wow, there are some really great entries in this challenge so far. Shanna, as for my bit following all the rules, That is only one set of rules for Sonnet. There are a few other styles that work just as well. Everyone has put so much of themselves in this challenge that I really hate to see it end!

"Same old paths"

Walkng down the same old path... what's the cost
don't you think i'd learn to try another
when there's nothing more at the end but dust?
I walk alone nothing gained ...time is lost
the years fly bye as I age with no change
only my body and mind growing old
and still I have not grabbed my dreams and goals
still I'm stumbling down my same old roads
I'm weary but a thought occurs to me
I turn around and take a different road
everything looks different to me at last
life and love more colorfull ...no more greys
see my future bright.... depression has passed
I'm home in the woods and now I can stay.