Outta the Blocks Cont’d…

misc.

More Overcoming…

As I scribble down these random thoughts, I am reminded of a co-writer, Lefty Farkleberry. Lefty’s writing knowledge and scope is rather staggering. So, when stumped for an example of a style or subject, starting with him is a good bet. Farkleberry enjoys writing in rhyme, it is a focus, a challenge for him; his truly outstanding pieces are usually parodies, sharp-edged and deftly finished in the style, meter and voice of the writer whom he is lampooning.

A short example: Yukon Jack and the Kodiak When, even, casually examined, one finds this a strong parody of Robert Service’s style and North Woods themes. Relevant to this discussion: the work is actually a simple couplet construction of long-meter lines, broken into clauses based upon natural meter (conversational) breaks. Observe how the enjambed Left Margin Capitalization is handled; the enjambs (syntactical breaks or wraps) being lower case and indented one “M” space to indicate a continuation.

The continuation line, “before…” is also initiated with lower case; being, not preceded by punctuation, a complete clause of its own, is not considered a “wrap”; it is thus, not indented. The kick-start of rote capital letters at the left of continuations is obviously not required nor desired if one wishes to maintain a “conversational” feel to their writing.

L.F. blends a smooth mix of written and auditory presentation into his works, believing, a work is important in both the visual and recitation forms and they need to be complimentary to be relevant and sustaining.

“…

His precious hat he’d adroitly plucked

   from a dear friend’s head

before the bloke washed over Killik Falls,

   lost and presumed dead.

Yet, Yukon smiled and snickered

   as he stroked the dripping brim:

…should’ve watched his step—not gone in

   for such a chilly swim.  …”

(Codfish with Cherries…2009, CW Press)

Simply shoveling words that rhyme (or not) onto that yellow tablet paper, does in no way, constitute “poetry.” After a piece has been crafted into something that is a pleasure to read, feels smooth, makes sense and rocks along without hitches—can it even begin to be considered “poetry.”

Just for your consideration.

Max tdc