Pleiades, or: ‘Whatever’

Posted on by ben Alexander

Pleiades – a poetic form

Only one word is allowed in the title of the poem, followed by a single seven-line stanza. The first word in each line begins with the same letter as the title. The line length is restricted to six syllables.

The poetic form is aptly named: the seven lines can be said to represent the seven sisters, and the six syllables represent the nearly invisible nature of one sister.

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Whatever came of my
Wretched inspiration
Which once welcomed ev'ry
Word ~ letter ~ syllable
With endless wonderment
Worthy of those Sisters
Who all had their own ways?

54 thoughts on “Pleiades, or: ‘Whatever’”

  2. Nice, we have a place in my country called the seven sisters right there in the Province where I was born.
    I will read further as the internet allows. Six represents seven, that’s interesting.
    Where have they gone
    Whisper to me
    Wind of the northern sun
    Why comets they not
    Westwards forth we run
    Winkest they not with the
    What smiles doth I see

    I must practice David….I must

    1. In general, forcing one’s thoughts into a limited framework is inherently more difficult than just writing free form… I’m honestly not sure that it’s any more poetic though – what’s the point, really?

      1. In Hindi, there are several types of verses which we call เค›เค‚เคฆ เค”เคฐ Chhand, in which a poet has to follow strict discipline of rhymes and metres, which are really difficult, and new poets don’t use those verses anymore.

        2. Chhand means verse. These verses have no religious nature, but some of them like chaupai have been used in religious epics.

  4. Gotta say, a very clever peice came out from your “wretched” inspiration! I see that you’ve restricted yourself to just six syllables and that makes it even more difficult.

  6. I loved re-reading the poem after reading your comment to KK… very clever yes, so the perhaps confines have broken their own way. :)) xoxo

    1. haha – you made me go back and look at my other comment!

      yes, on the one hand I feel like – who cares? on the other hand, I feel like – well… surely other poets must know what they’re talking about, right? and then I feel – well, if they can do it so can I! and then I feel – what was I trying to prove by doing this and to whom? that’s the general cycle.

      1. Ahaha! Yes I have that too with those form constriction things… though occasionally something unexpected and good arises. It really depends on state of flow in the moment I try it… but this is a LOT of confines to deal with. The six syllable thing takes it too far for good flow to occur, IMHO. But perhaps I’m no good judge, having not tried it yet… I really like abrv’s one above though… and that one breaks the six-syllable rule.

  9. Each new line blends nicely with the one before. Nothing seems forced or awkward, which is probably more difficult than it seems. I am familiar with the Seven Sisters, and always thought it interesting that my mom is one of seven girls, but was not familiar with this poetic form, which you completed so wonderfully. ๐Ÿ˜€

      1. My mom is actually one of ten! I am one of 45 grandkids on her side, and that doesn’t include our kids, and so on … So, yes, I do have a large family on mom’s side! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

  13. Here’s a silly one I did…hope you enjoy it!
    Midnight
    My cat opens its eyes.
    Mouse sounds are heard below,
    Many squeaking noises,
    Marauding the pantry.
    Moona is on her feet,
    Meandering downstairs.
    Mice scatter everywhere.

    Karima 11/28/2020

  16. Most beautiful and amazing lines.every words is like the gem
    .beautiful imagination.Your Pleiades are three sisters and our North-East India has too seven sisters as seven stats.they are new thing but your Pleiades has a glimpse of ancient Hibru culture.

  17. I love what you wrote …to me, your poem seems to be about writing and it’s simply wonderful. I’m in wonderment ๐Ÿ™‚ I love the word wonderment!

  18. Great piece and interesting too. You might like to take a look at Brad Osborne’s site. Every Friday he does a post called Whittled Words. He did one today on the Anagram poem. I think you two might have a real respect for the way each other writes. That is a complement, I believe, as he is a gifted, talented and loves to expand his knowledge of his art.
    Let me see if I can give it a go?

    Husband

    How does one know your love
    Hope sits upon a star
    Has six points in heaven
    Human hearts doth proclaim
    Held you close for years love
    Home was where your head lay
    Happy, honest husband

    Hugs Joni

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