19 April 2011

NaPoWriMo 19 ~ A Sevenling

Several of you have been writing sevenlings, so I surfed for more information regarding the form. I followed the rules for the sevenling form found at The Chop Shop. If you are interested, I've reposted them beneath the poem.
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sevenling (in the middle)

in the middle of the table in the middle of the room
three of my favorite possessions loom
a sock, a clock, and a hickory dock

what I touch with my mind disappears
what feels like minutes is years
faster than we sneeze a breeze

beneath mice and everything nice—tick tock



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The rules of the sevenling are thus:
The first three lines should contain an element of three - three connected or contrasting statements, or a list of three details, names or possibilities. This can take up all of the three lines or be contained anywhere within them. Then, lines four to six should similarly contain an element of three, connected directly or indirectly or not at all. The seventh line should act as a narrative summary or punchline or as an unusual juxtaposition. There are no set metrical rules, but being such as short form, some rhythm, metre or rhyme is desirable. To give the form a recognisable shape, it should be set out in two stanzas of three lines, with a solitary seventh, last line. Titles are not required. A sevenling should be titled Sevenling followed by the first few words in parentheses The tone of the sevenling should be mysterious, offbeat or disturbing, giving a feeling that only part of the story is being told. The poem should have a certain ambience which invites guesswork from the reader.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

You rock sevenlings!!

Such a fun poem.

Stan Ski said...

Are those mice blind...? Because that would make three of them too...
I might try one of these sevenlings...

Marianne said...

WOW! Your sevenling is brilliant!!! So clever and creative. I actually tried one for today's poem post, too.

Ron. said...

Brenda is IN THE SEVENLING HOUSE, and IT'S A-ROCKIN'!!!

flaubert said...

Brenda, a terrific sevenling! Very creative. I not sure I am brave enough to tackle one.

Pamela

Laurie Kolp said...

Bravo, Brenda! You're like an old pro at sevenlings. They're fun aren't they? This piece sure is!

~laurie

Maude Lynn said...

This is really cool! I must give this a try.

vivinfrance said...

Congratulations on a clever sevenling. Not an easy form.

Linda said...

I must try this form. You've managed a syncopation that aptly fits the words.

lucychili said...

nice form and
nursery rhyme feeling

Mary said...

Wonderful sevenling, Brenda. You've mastered the form. I tried the form today too, since I'd seen it around "NaPoWriMo Land."

Mr. Walker said...

I like this one. It's just fun. (Was it inspired by Goodnight, Moon?)

brenda w said...

As I read through all these comments I just couldn't stop myself smiling. haha! Thank you all for stopping and leaving your imprint.

I did not know what this poem meant, I just went with it because I liked how it sounded.

Mr. Walker, I did not think of Goodnight Moon until I just read your comment. I was thinking of Hickory Dickory Dock, which is why I brought the mouse and the tick tock in at the end. I know Goodnight Moon, and maybe it is in there...you know how those things go bump in the night.

More sevenlings must be lurking...

Elizabeth said...

Not sure I completely understand the form, but going to try it. Thanks for the info and your wonderful example.

Elizabeth

Andy Sewina said...

Hickery dickery dock!! I love tic toc!!

Cool Sevenling!

Gloria said...

I am liking this form more and more as I read them. Yours is such fun...love it!