I need Help!!!

tony1 · Apr 16, 2007

Can anybody refer me to any books or references that explain Meter, accented verse and anything to do with the rhythm of poetry? In plain, but not the usual text book style, and what would really help is easy to understand explanations or instructions. Not the usual ta-DUM ta-DUM style I always see. I mean, I understand it up to a point, I just need a guide that lays it out a little further. I hope I'm not asking for too much. I just can't seem to get it. I can't even begin to scan a small poem, and its something I would really like to learn. Evidently, I don't have an ear for poetry, so to speak, but I heard it can be learned.

Thank you, tony1

pink lily · Apr 17, 2007

The books that helped me most were textbooks; I learned the most from my teachers in high school and college. I was able to "audit" classes at the local university, taking them for "no credits" at a fraction of the cost. If it really doesn't come naturally to you, you could benefit from being taught by a professional, in a classroom setting. Give it a try. It helped me tremendously when I did it. (Unfortunately, I lost some of my books and writings from that time in a fire, so I can not make a specific book recommendation, sorry.)

I'm not sure if poetry is covered in Strunk and White's The Elements of Style, maybe someone who owns a copy can let us know. The book was essential for me when I was young and learning about writing.

Norman D Gutter · Apr 18, 2007

"Rules of the Dance" is one I've seen highly recommended. The name of the author escapes me at the moment. I'll try to find it and edit it in.

Cassie88 · Apr 18, 2007

Tony, I think Norman's suggestion of "Rules of the Dance: A Handbook for Writing and Reading Metrical Verse" by Mary Oliver is a great choice. Amazon's price is $10.40 new and $6.94 used.

There is also a "Poetry for Dummies" which gets a high rating on Amazon. Price new is $13.59 (on sale now) and $8.67 used.

tony1 · Apr 19, 2007

Going to orer it!

Cassie88 said:
Tony, I think Norman's suggestion of "Rules of the Dance: A Handbook for Writing and Reading Metrical Verse" by Mary Oliver is a great choice. Amazon's price is $10.40 new and $6.94 used.

There is also a "Poetry for Dummies" which gets a high rating on Amazon. Price new is $13.59 (on sale now) and $8.67 used.

Cool! I already own," A Poetry Handbook, " by her, and it was good. I'm going to order it right-a-way. Thanks. Tony

scarletpeaches · Apr 22, 2007

I'm a mahooooosive fan of Stephen Fry and can heartily, warmly and straight-from-the-moistest-part-of-me recommend The Ode Less Travelled. There are different sections for rhyme, meter and form, plus the man is a genius. Funny, talented, intelligent...if only I was his type. You know, not so female. Damn.

kborsden · Apr 22, 2007

Why not just look up Poetic Meter on wikipedia? It won't be so indepth but at least it'll explain a little with examples.

calamity · Apr 22, 2007

Poetic Meter & Poetic Form by Paul Fussell
--Sort of boring to read but you WILL understand meter (and several other things) after reading this book.

A Test of Poetry by Louis Zukofsky
--Not really a "How to" book but it compares poems written in meter (translations specifically) and has excellent notes on variations in rhythms.

The Sound of Poetry by Robert Pinsky
--This is one of the best. Fun to read, easy to understand.

Poetic Rhythm by Derek Attridge
--This one is really good too. Has exercises to help you understand the sections. It also covers just about everything.

Sorry for not providing links, but I'm feeling lazy. Hope that helps!

I need Help!!!

tony1

pink lily

I regret everything

Norman D Gutter

Engineer Sonneteer

Cassie88

Make mine a double entendre

tony1

scarletpeaches

kborsden

Has a few recurring issues

calamity