
I pound the pavement in search of a rhyme
Shivering in wintery morning sun
Verse eludes me, perhaps ’tis not the time
Old memories buried under the grime
Warm’d by the eyes, by my heart they were spun
I pound the pavement in search of a rhyme
My sluggish mind can scarce weave lines sublime
But my feet dance to the tune forgotten
Verse eludes me, perhaps ’tis not the time
Tired and irate fifty-five stairs I climb
My feet stamping a da-dum, da-da-dum
I pound the pavement in search of a rhyme
My feet dance to the rhythm, my mind misrhymes
It does resemble a wide field barren
Verse eludes me, perhaps ’tis not the time
I continue to practise till the rhymes chime
Determined to give the iamb a run
I pound the pavement in search of a rhyme
Verse acquiesces, perhaps ’tis the time!
Written for dVerse. Today’s host, Ingrid, says: So, this week, I challenge you to write a poem in iambic pentameter. You can choose either blank verse (in which the pentameter is unrhymed) or a form such as a sonnet or villanelle. Ideally, you will take a walk as you work out the lines: either around your living room, in your garden, or perhaps out in nature. Pound the pavements and pathways until you get the sound you want, and don’t worry too much about writing it down until you’re happy with the result.
How can words and rhymes elude the master wordsmith?
Your search has yielded a lovely poem Punam.
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Oh, yeah i am about to say that …i echo what Sadje said ..
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👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
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Mich …😊❤️
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Sadje, you are very kind. Thanks so much. I appreciate your encouragement always. ❤️
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You’re always welcome my dear sister
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Very nice ..I can’t those styles..feet!..at all ❤️
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Thank you! It takes a little effort. ❤️
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thanks ❤️
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Wow, you nailed it, dear. This is so sweet to read. I read it thrice and still wanted to read it more. Quite charming. 👏 🌼🌼
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That is very sweet of you to say, Lamittan! Thanks a lot. I am touched. 🙏🏼🌷
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You’re most welcome, my friend, always. 🌼🌼👏💖
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I like that slightly surrealistic style of writing — a poem about the frustrations of finding inspiration to write a poem, I like using that style or similar in prose sometimes. There were some (many, sorry!) very nice lines, with natural flow, but I did not know of this poetry form before this prompt, and find it a bit constrictive (noticed that with others)…probably cause I’m not a poet! Anyway, the tone was just right, the “dancing” feet, not getting bogged down into too much frustration and losing the plot..V well done..
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We call ourselves writers/poets but only time will tell how our writing is considered. Writing a villanelle is not difficult once you get the first three lines right. It was the iambic pentameter that took some time. We were taught in school to tap our feet to get it right, thus the dancing feet! So I ended up writing about the process. Thanks so much, Ain.
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The first 3 lines…oh dear..3 too many…! That was fun about the background for dancing feet…”only time will tell”…a very good statement…I think often we don’t look at our role in that as well..writing books is slightly different, but to me, poetry must be heard! I honestly think that poets such as yourself should really start a podcast site, and read the poetry aloud, and link to your site, using soundcloud or other sites. I think it is a must, in order to be properly received, and/or get others to read your poetry aloud and link it, that is also very interesting. I have loved poetry readings I attended, listening to poems being read. At dverse the open mike nights live were wonderful — next time we are not reading our own poetry but someone else’s on dverse. I shall, of course, after much thought, be reading one of your poems – because of the quality of the poetry. Anyway, just thoughts.
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Haha! Yup, it can seem too many!
It is not that I am modest about my writing but when I see so many talented writers around me, I tend not to take my writer self too seriously.
Just the other day Jane and I were discussing that because of oral traditions of earlier times, poetry was meant to be sung/recited and thus always rhymed.
I like the idea of reading my poetry and link it but right now with everyone still working/studying from home, it is practically impossible. But one day.,.
I am touched beyond words that you would like to read my poem. It would be such an honour believe me.
If you ever do that I will have to ask Björn to make a recording.
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On medium.com there are monthly postings of writing/poetry competitions going on, I will find the link for the latest, mostly small amont of money, depends, but the money is not what makes the validation….”talented” yes…hides other words…consistent..quantity as well as quality, able to accept critism, willing to improve, and your words, yes..not taking oneself too seriously! Of course for reading poetry, so nice, yours, then later maybe one or two others here and there and send…that might be nice if a few do that,,oral..I remember in Saudi Arabia listener alwayschant the last word or syllable in a line after they hear it during a reading…was interesting…
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Here too, during Urdu poetry readings called ‘mushaira’ the listeners repeat there last line in appreciation, even for Hindi poetry as well.
You are right about the validation, it is so important but at the same time so is criticism. We need to know our flaws, acknowledge our weaknesses and work on improving our writing.
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how very very cool. Love how you pounded… thanks.
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Haha, Selma! I am glad you liked it.
Thank you.
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Ahh a wonderful villanelle! 🙂 I am feeling the same tonight,as I try to write a villanelle… 😦
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Thanks, Veera. 😊
Writing villanelle was not a problem, the iambic pentameter took some time. 😏
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This poem made me think of trying to put 10 pounds of flour into a 5 pound bag!
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😂😂 Bev, your comment is priceless!
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The iambic feet and your own feet dance a lovely villanelle! The rhythm and rhyme created a wonderful song!!
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Val, chuffed by your appreciation!
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I love how you took the experience of Woodsworth of trying to get your rhythm from the walking… and you really succeeded… impeccable
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Thanks so much, Björn. This means a lot.
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you pounded the pavements
searching for rhyme
glad you found it just in time!
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Lol yes! The rhyme is always there,
fitting alternate syllables needed care! 🙂
Thank you!
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pleasure sis!
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I would say you found the rhythm in your step!
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Thank you, Heather!
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You’re welcome.
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The repeating line works and I like the last stanza/
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Thanks, Yvonne.
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Well written Punam. The meter was solid my friend — excellent!
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Thank you so much, Rob. Much appreciated.
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Wow I really enjoyed this, the repeat and the rhyme of the lines. I admire your ability to write in these poetry forms and according to prompts – can feel the spontaniety in your poetry.
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So happy that you can feel the spontaneity. The form of villanelle helps to reinforce an idea through repetition. Thank you so much. Always grateful for your insights.
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So good to know of the different forms really – I have stayed ignorant in general about them all. I appreciate and enjoy them in your work a lot more now.
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Thanks once again, Pragalbha. 🙏🏼😊
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Bravo, Punam, this is wonderful! It really answers the prompt by exploring the act of composing in this way. And I think you got your lines down perfect ❤️
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Aww thanks, Ingrid! 🥰
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I agree with, Sadje. For you are the master wordsmith, as the language in this write clearly articulates. Gorgeous, Punam. ❤️
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Jeff, that’s so sweet of you! Thank you, my friend. ❤️🤗
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You’re most welcome, Punam! Always my pleasure, dear friend. 🤗❤️
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You are Amazing…simply Amazing!
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And so are you! ❤️🤗
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Ohhh, aren’t you the Sweetest!!! You’ve made my day extra special!! :)💖
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❤️❤️
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💖
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Don’t know how you do these.. Don’t even know what to say and how to appreciate.. Beyond words..!! 🙏🏻😊🤗💕
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🤫🤭🥰🥰🤗🤗
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Even as little walk that you take brings out the best lines 🙂
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Parikhit, you may not realise but it is comments like yours which are my motivation. So, thank you! 🙂
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Amazing! I loved your take, I couldn’t write in meter it’s very tough for me. You’ve done it superbly with rhyming and everything.
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I agree, writing in meter can be tough. Thanks so much for your encouraging words, Jay. ❤️
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Yours is a most delightful villanelle! I do lots of “writing in my head” while getting out for a daily walk, weather permitting. Thanks for sharing …
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Helen, thank you so much! Yes, I too do that while on my walks. My pleasure…
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A lovely dancing villanelle – please tell me you were out skipping along the pavement as you wrote this in your head. I love that image.
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Marion, how on the earth did you guess I was skipping! I almost twisted my ankle. Thanks so much for your lovely words. ❤️
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Punam you are excellent with your poems. This is so Lovely to read. Too 👍🏼👍🏼
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Kamal, thanks a lot for your lovely compliment. Humbled by your words. 🙏🏼❤️
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Always welcome dear Punam. Keep on giving 🙏🏻🙏🏻
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🙏🏼🙏🏼😊
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🤗🤗🤗
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This was an amazing poem! Loved the joy and delight I felt when reading it! 💖💖
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Cindy, thank you so much. I am so glad you enjoyed it. ❤️❤️
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Pleasure !💖💖
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Strange isn’t it when nothing seems to be present but once it begins … lovely villanelle
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I agree, Paul, once it begins it flows. Thanks a lot.
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Awesome Villanelle, dear Poonam! I had fun. It’s rhythm is very good👏👏👏
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Thanks a lot, dear Jane. I am glad you enjoyed the rhythm. ❤️
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You are welcome, dear Poonam! ❤️
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But my feet dance to tunes forgotten… lovely 😍
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Thanks, Sangeetha. 🥰
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I keep telling myself (after more than a year) – perhaps ’tis not the time.
We can’t be too hard on ourselves, but at least here we can slow down and wait for the right time to roll around.
This one’s brilliant for so many reasons.
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No, we shouldn’t be hard on ourselves. Creativity cannot be forced. Words will flow again, Bo.
How have you been? How’s B?
Thanks a lot.
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Let us hope…
Sick, mostly. Don’t ask. B’s fine, thanks.
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Take care, Bo. Hugs.
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Will do.
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