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.
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?
I’ve not come across this form before; clever! I enjoyed your verse very much.
Some of my WP friends introduced me to it through their own pieces just today! ๐
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
oh, really? what country and province are you from, Abi?
Sunny South Africa, born in the mother city, cape town, western province
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Thank you for introducing this form. It seems to be somewhat difficult.
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?
In Hindi, there are several types of verses which we call เคเคเคฆ เคเคฐ 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.
does the word ‘Chhand’ have a meaning, other than in reference to those types of verses? were such poems originally of a religious nature?
Chhand means verse. These verses have no religious nature, but some of them like chaupai have been used in religious epics.
Thank you for sharing this. I love picking up such cultural tidbits!
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.
๐ thank you ๐
I was just following the standards outlined by the poetry website – it wasn’t deliberate!
Great one, David! Unique and well executedโค๏ธ
Mrityunjay and Dwight inspired me ๐
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
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.
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.
This has peaked my interest. ๐๐
mine too ๐
Wow! ๐
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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. ๐
Thanks, Michele. Wow! You must have a huge family!
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! ๐
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Why do I get the feeling that this comes effortlessly for you? Impressive!
You’re very kind. It takes me some thought ๐
Love the illustration, David! It looks inspiring to me! Have a great day! ๐
Thanks, Cheryl – that is sweet of you to say ๐
This is a new form for me..and looks fun..I might try my hand at one..Thanks Ben:)
I got the idea from two other WP friends ๐
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
Love it ๐
I feel honored to have your poetry on my blog ๐
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Smiles big, might be the least serious of my poems..but was fun to do..and glad you liked it too. Thanks for sharing that format by the way.
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I’ve been reading these on another blog run by a poet named Molly Shea. It’s an incredibly creative form of Poetry! Brilliant write!
You are so kind ๐ !
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.
The Pleiades are from Greek mythology
I know,dear ben !!
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I love what you wrote …to me, your poem seems to be about writing and it’s simply wonderful. I’m in wonderment ๐ I love the word wonderment!
Thanks, Sangeetha ๐
I do have a tendency to write on ‘meta’ concepts and think about poetry and words as subjects in their own rights.
I believe they are
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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
Joni – I love your poem! Thank you for sharing on my blog! ๐
It is truly my pleasure and a blessing for me. Have a great weekend. ๐โค๏ธLove to you and your family. โค๏ธJoni
every day is a school day, it would seem. this is wonderful! must try this at some point… thank you.
It was totally new to me too!
Thank you, Kat!
-David
youโre welcome x