Quatrain– “Quatrains, also known as four-line poems, are four line stanzas of any type, rhyme, or meter.” (Definition paraphrased from The Poets Garret, August 23, 2012) Shedding the Mask By Rita H. Chen I hate his eternal smile It never seems to dim He always looks so happy Like nothing bothers him I … More Shedding the Mask
Freestyle/Free Verse – “Free verse is a form of poetry that does not use consistent meter patterns, rhyme, or any other musical pattern. It thus tends to follow the rhythm of natural speech. However, it’s been noted by poets that a good free verse poem is ironically not “free” at all and will still contain some elements of form.” (Definition … More A Tribute to Mother
Minute Poetry– “The Minute Poem is rhyming verse form consisting of 12 lines of 60 syllables written in strict iambic meter. The poem is formatted into 3 stanzas of 8,4,4,4; 8,4,4,4; 8,4,4,4 syllables. The rhyme scheme is as follows: aabb, ccdd, eeff.” (Definition from Fanstory.com, July 26, 2012) Day and Night By Rita H. … More Day and Night
Duty By Rita H. Chen I open the door quietly; hoping that Mother won’t be up. However, just as I step into the house, I can already hear Mother’s voice, worried and unnatural-sounding. “Esther, is that you, Dear?” I stifle a sigh. “Yes, Mother,” I answer out-loud. A slight shuffle, and then Mother stands in … More Duty
Senryu Poetry– “A Japanese form of short poetry similar to haiku in construction: three lines made up of no more than 17 syllables. Senryu tend to be about human nature and are often cynical or darkly humorous.” (Paraphrased from Wikipedia, July 11, 2012) The Follies of Men and Women By Rita H. Chen “I have self-respect,” … More The Follies of Men and Women
Acrostic Poetry– “A poem or other form of writing in which the first letter, syllable or word of each line, paragraph or other recurring feature in the text spells out a word or a message.” (Wikipedia, July 9, 2012) To be a Chef By Rita H. Chen Languishing over what to … More To be a Chef
Haiku Poetry– “A major form of Japanese verse, written in 17 syllables divided into 3 lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables, and employing highly evocative allusions and comparisons, often on the subject of nature or one of the seasons.” (Dictionary.com, July 9, 2012) A Year of Haiku By Rita H. Chen A light orange … More A Year of Haiku
Images from 2006 By Rita H. Chen September 30, 2006 Fragile, the human lifespan Brief moments laced with pain and pleasure Then the slow wilt back to earth October 14, 2006 Coming to the crossroads, Head swivels left, right; One step into known safety October 26, 2006 Doubt, pierces me deeply My heart trembles quivering … More Images from 2006
Imagist Poetry– “A 20th century movement of poetry advocating free verse and the expression of ideas and emotions through clear, precise images.” (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, 1979) Images from 1999 By Rita H. Chen Twirling on a polished floor a laughing dancer Wool mittens: frozen in time covered in snow … More Images from 1999
Down the Drainpipe By Rita H. Chen Her hands trembled as she tightly gripped the edges of the sink, the knuckles of her fingers turning white from the strain. She retched once, her body convulsing as she tried to coax up what felt like a sharp, sour poison from deep within her stomach. When nothing … More Down the Drainpipe
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