Tonight’s short form poetry workshop focused on the Crystalline form.

The description we were provided of this form is:

“The Crystalline comprises of two lines of around 17 syllables in total and they may rhyme.”

“A couplet may be “regular” or “irregular” depending upon the symmetry of the lines. A regular couplet’s syllables are distributed 8+9 or 9+8. Other distributions are “irregular” but entirely acceptable but tonight we will concentrate on regular.”

“The grammar (inflections and syntax) of the lines, which usually comprise one or two sentences in a couplet, should be relatively straightforward and natural. Unnaturally abbreviated or telegraphic grammar is to be avoided. The traditional omission of “understood words” is permissible (e.g., “Catch me.” rather than “You catch me.”).”

“A couplet may be “regular” or “irregular” depending upon the symmetry of the lines. A regular couplet’s syllables are distributed 8+9 or 9+8. Other distributions are “irregular” but entirely acceptable.”

“The harmony or beauty of sound that has a pleasing effect to the ear (euphony) is achieved both by the selection of individual word-sounds and also by their relationship in the repetition, proximity, and flow of sound patterns. This is euphony, more important than strict metrics.”

From this, I came up with two poems.  The first of which is centered on the state fair.

Crystalline Images of the State Fair
by Michael Romani

Confluence of the garish and profound
The carnivalesque celebration is found

Regal princesses in tiaras are crowned
Barkers howl like wounded hounds

Stuffed bears won from slanted games
As sweethearts call their lovers' names

A blue ribbon is placed on a prized pie
While ladies wink their alluring eye

Corn dogs and elephant ears bathe in cotton candy
While the strong men fake at being handy

(c) August 21, 2018  Michael Romani
All Rights Reserved