Sevenling (Hazy wisps of)
Hazy wisps of last night's dream sequences lit
upon the faintest glimmers of reflections swirling
around fantasies beyond the reaches of my consciousness.
I rubbed the sleep from my eyes this morning; savored
the aroma of my coffee with a contented sigh; stepped
out and breathed in Jerusalem's crisp autumn air.
Hours later, I still have no idea what to write about.
The sevenling
Structure:
- Lines one to three should contain three connected or contrasting statements, or a list of three details, names or possibilities. This can take up all of the three lines or be contained anywhere within them.
- Lines four to six should similarly have three elements (statements, details, names, or possibilities) connected directly or indirectly or not at all.
- The seventh line should act as a narrative summary or punchline or an unusual juxtaposition.
- While there are no set metrical rules, because of its form, some rhythm, meter and/or rhyme is desirable.
- The visual structure of the form is two stanzas of three lines, with a solitary seventh line last line.
Also:
- Titles are not required. The original convention was to title the sevenling: “Sevenling (followed by the first few words in parentheses)”, but the form has evolved to other title conventions including dropping “Sevenling” completely from the title.
- Sevenling should be mysterious, offbeat or disturbing, giving a feeling that only part of the story is being told.
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)
Would you like to create poetry with me and have a completed poem of yours featured here at the Skeptic’s Kaddish? I am very excited to have launched the ‘Poetry Partners’ initiative and am looking forward to meeting and creating with you… Check it out!
The skeptic's kaddish 
A Sevenling! It has been a while since I wrote one… this one is a fun romp to the last line!
💖❤️ Muri ❤️💖
And minutes later, you wrote this sevenling..? Ah, this narrates the situation I found myself in yesterday, when I sat for four hours thinking of a single idea for a poem, and arrived at none! 😀
well sometimes we have to write about nothing too!
And I did, remember? 😉
Somehow the word sevenling reminds me of a character from Middle Earth in a fantasy story.
I used to read a lot of those kinds of books as a kid
I never know what I’m doing until I do it. (K)
to what extent do you let the words you’re writing lead you?
They always do. Of course I then refine and revise, but I almost never start out knowing exactly what I want to say. Or even vaguely for the most part.
Even as a designer, within particular parameters, I liked to try lots of different things or approaches. Don’t box yourself in too soon–you never know what you will find.
that comes through in your art, Kerfe
❤
David
I’m sure it does.
You are so good. It’s soooo good to read you. Someone who writes effortlessly beautifully.. David 🤗s for you .
😊 thanks so very much, Yassy 😊
Welcome 🙏🏼
Oh, this most certainly works, my friend. This will do quite nicely.
🤗 George 🤗
Such beautiful truth in your words
😘 Lauren 😘
I like this.
💕 Misky 💕 – thank you much!
-David
That’s how that works David.. the muse took you by the hand. I know you adore exploring poetic forms, but the muse sometimes just wants to write about impressions, feelings, contentment. I found this poem to be like a beautiful shifting breeze..mashallah! ❤️
💝 Karima 💝
You just wrote a steller piece, dear friend. Tell it to your brain. Amazing. thanks for sharing your Jerusalem autumn air with me. Love it.
💟 Thanks, Selma 💟