I was going to start this post by suggesting that I am only nine days into blogging and I haven’t, to-this-point, found a post that I wanted to continue at length. Then Ninefold Evolution published a poetry challenge today concerning his “ninefold” poetic form and I wanted to continue the conversation about invented forms.
I find the concept of inventing modern poetic forms intriguing. I like traditional and contemporary poetry and I have the biggest affinity toward free-verse. However, there are some contemporary forms that appeal to me over the traditional sonnets and villanelles. I challenge you to investigate the “zip ode” and the “golden shovel”. They are two of the coolest modern poetic forms.
Ninefold described his style:
It is defined by having three stanzas each with three lines and nine syllables. The first stanza must represent the aspect of body; it can be visceral and evoke the five senses. The second stanza must represent the aspect of mind; it can be about thoughts and perceptions. The final stanza must represent the aspect of spirit; it should evoke emotion or some concept of the supernatural realm.
What are your thoughts on this? Have you invented your own poetic form? Have you found any challenging and/or satisfying forms? Did you look up the golden shovel or the zip ode?
Cheers,
Bryan
