My 2nd Cleave poem
| she loves | his gruff voice, his calling card | |
| that he leaves | his hot temper by | |
| his shoes neatly by the door, | now | |
| ajar, open to a world | well known to her | |
| that could offer support | whenever his arm rises up into the air | |
| should she need | to make his tyranny known – | |
| help… | she wants to scream | |
| but of course, she doesn’t | and whimpers in terror instead |
How to read a Cleave poem?
Simply:
- Read the left hand poem as a first discrete poem.
- Read the right hand poem as a second discrete poem.
- Read the whole as a third integrated poem.
Let’s write poetry together!
When it comes to partnership, some humans can make their lives alone – it’s possible. But creatively, it’s more like painting: you can’t just use the same colours in every painting. It’s just not an option. You can’t take the same photograph every time and live with art forms with no differences.
–Ben Harper (b. 1969)
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The Skeptic's Kaddish 🇮🇱 
Hi David, inspired by your Cleave poems I had a try myself. I have mentioned you in my post, hope that’s OK?
of course, Marion – could you share the URL to that post here?
https://writingwhatnotsblog.wordpress.com/2021/11/24/last-dance/ – happy to.. Here it is 😊
Not only is the clever it is also a great scenario …
So… do you write each side first or one of the same and split? Did that make sense?
I’ve been doing them in different ways, but going across seems to work best for me.
❤
David
Interesting and really clever as always 💖💖
This is very good! Learned something new today.
❤ Bella ❤ – I just came across this form a couple days ago – it's a fun challenge!
-David
[…] Dougherty and David (ben Alexander) got me thinking about writing a cleave poem again. I haven’t written one in a while, and WP […]
❤ Merril ❤
Wow! This form is really challenging and your poem is brilliant!
😍💚 Sangeetha 💚😍
So did you write one side first?
no, I went across horizontally from one side to the next.
Wow. Engaging work, David. You have represented, through poetic structure, that which is a hidden reality for many. I see the second poem as a dark shadow. Brilliant.
💞💜 Michele 💜💞
Amazing. Just amazing. As ever, I learn so much from you, my friend.
You’re sweet, George – but it’s all available online… just do a Google search for poetic forms. I also find forms (like this one) from fellow WP poets.
❤
David
Ah, David, but I think I prefer this–the beautifully unexpected discoveries I encounter just by reading your verses.
Excellent poem , you employed this structure really well. I enjoyed your previous poem too, but it wouldn’t let me comment!
Thanks, Chris 🙂 – that’s strange that you couldn’t comment on the other post, but I really appreciate your kind support.
❤
David
I’m impressed David – two into one makes three and they all read so freely
🙏 Thanks so much, Laura! 🙏
Thank you David❤
Have a great evening
🤗 Abi 🤗
Hugs to
Rest well🤗
With word you are like a trapeze artist
Terrifying word act this time round
😘 thanks, Abi 😘
You’ve created a scary scene that I’m afraid is all too common. Great job, David. 💙 For me, the two completely opposite poems/scenarios work a bit better than the whole (in the first few lines). Maybe just a bit of tweaking there.
That image is really frightening, too!
Yep, I agree, Merril. But I feel it is smoother than the first. I’m getting there slowly 🦥
Yes, definitely! I might post one tomorrow. 😀