Poetry Playground Writing Prompt #4

Summary

The website content introduces a poetry writing prompt for a nonet, a structured poem with a syllable count that increases or decreases by one with each line.

Abstract

The "Poetry Playground Writing Prompt #4" challenges readers to write a nonet, a nine-line poem with a specific syllable pattern. The prompt explains that a nonet starts with one syllable in the first line and increases by one syllable with each subsequent line, culminating in nine syllables in the final line. It also suggests variations such as the reverse nonet and the mirror nonet. The author shares a personal journey of evolving poetic appreciation from valuing form to valuing reader connection, and emphasizes that form poetry can enhance writing skills. An example of a reverse mirror nonet titled "Easter" is provided to inspire writers. The prompt encourages writers to explore themes of new beginnings and to consider the work of other poets for inspiration.

Opinions

The author initially believed that form poems like sonnets represented the pinnacle of poetry but later realized that reader connection is paramount.
Writing form poetry, such as nonets, is presented as both a fun challenge and a tool for refining one's writing style.
The author suggests that rules in poetry can be bent, indicating a flexible approach to poetic form.
The author expresses admiration for the work of Esther Spurrill-Jones, Brandon Ellrich, Robert Ralph, and Steve Potter, encouraging readers to explore their poetry.
The author's example poem "Easter" demonstrates the reverse mirror nonet structure and implies that themes with religious or philosophical significance can be effectively conveyed through this poetic

Nine lines to brilliance

When I began writing poetry I thought the utmost height of poetry was a form poem, a poem that follows a set of rules. For me, the sonnet seemed an impossible achievement. Indeed, they are difficult to write well (one day, it will be the prompt on here). Over time, I’ve realised that as long as a poem connects with the reader, it is a high quality poem. Nevertheless, writing form poetry can be a fun challenge and help you refine your writing style, or even reformat and improve old poems you thought weren’t much good. It is also easier than you might imagine!

This week’s writing prompt is a form poem called a nonet.

Nonet poems are nine lines long. The first line is one syllable, and the second line is two syllables, the third is three syllables. This pattern continues until the ninth line which is nine syllables. This gives 45 syllables to play with. Be careful, an ideal nonet would not have a word of multiple syllables crossing between lines (but rules are there to be broken — my first nonet was definitely not ‘ideal’).

If you want to, you can use a reverse nonet, starting with nine syllables and reducing to one. Alternatively, you can create a mirror poem of two verses across 18 lines, starting and ending with one syllable, or beginning and ending with nine syllables, as I have below.

Here is an example of a reverse mirror nonet I have written:

Easter

The trial of a still silent man predetermined by gods of fate cries out for crucifixion. Innocence means nothing so the hands that hold the universe are nailed to the cross.

Dawn. Running. The stone, moved. Body, risen. A gardener smiles. Mary, woman, witness to the greatest of wonders, resurrection of Jesus Christ. God, laughing, smiling, caring, loving.

Have a go at writing a nonet. You might want to try a few and see which is your favourite. You might want to go for something longer, like I have above, or keep it short and sweet. As this prompt is a form, you can choose any theme you like. If you’re stuck for themes, you could think about new beginnings as we start the new year.

I think Esther Spurrill-Jones will enjoy this prompt. I also wonder how Brandon Ellrich, Robert Ralph and Steve Potter might tackle it. These writers are all brilliant and you should go and have a read of their work if you haven’t yet done so.

Poetry | Writing Prompt

Poetry Playground Writing Prompt #4

Nine lines to brilliance

Easter