DENTURN is a poetry form invented by Dennis William Turner, writing on All Poetry as Dennisturner19.
- Stanzaic: 2 stanzas of iambic tetrameter
- 2 stanzas of trochaic tetrameter
- Rhyme pattern: poet’s option.
- It is comprised of two IAMBIC, tetrameter quatrains stating a point of view.
- This is followed by a stand-alone one, two or three syllable word or phrase. For example: but – unless – but then – although – until, – however etc., Providing the TURN.
- The concluding two quatrains, in TROCHAIC metre, make the argument, (emphasised by the change of metre.)
- SPECIAL NOTE: If two syllables are used at the TURN, then the following line should have ANACRUSIS in order to make the seamless transition between metres.
an·a·cru·sis
(ăn′ə-kro͞o′sĭs)
n.
One or more unstressed syllables at the beginning of a line of verse, before the reckoning of the normal meter begins.From http://www.thefreedictionary.com/anacrusis
Turner’s Examples
Form: Denturn
Go For It
I’m in a quandary, on the spot:
Now, should I exercise or not?
I’d much prefer to just relax
Instead of pounding running tracks.
The gym is not the place for me;
The sofa is the place to be!
I’d rather browse the Internet
Than run a round and smell of sweat,
Although,
It’s true that heart disease is stealthy,
Even when you feel quite healthy.
Maybe running at the double
COULD be worth a little trouble.
My excess will take some shifting,
Maybe I could try weight lifting?
This great book will show me how,
Here’s my chance; I’ll start right now.
© Dennis William Turner
My Attempts
Form: Denturn
Puppies
The puppies chew on furniture,
and eat up books I’ve out on loan,
which now require expenditure
and thus become my very own.
They chew things just to hear them crunch
and chewed up paper lines our hall,
They miss the training pads a bunch
and won’t all come each time I call,
and yet,
I don’t believe I’ll give them up;
Can’t release a single pup
They have taken up my heart –
Dollars aren’t just cause to part!
All of them should outlive me.
(Vets and food and toys aren’t free),
Joy and love and laughter reign –
Puppies make me young again!
© Lawrence Eberhart – 7/18/17
Comments by Mr. Turner:
Although your piece was technically correct, the use of catalectic lines in the Trochaic section gives it the ‘feel’ of acephalous iambic. The real essence of the Trochaic section is the double-syllable end rhyme. It is this that gives the strong contrast with the first section, (along with the stressed syllable to start the line of course.) I know that I have used a catalectic ending for my final rhyme, but that was deliberate in order to finish with a stressed syllable for emphasis as in the punchline of a joke. In fact, I’ve used the same ploy on other Denturns that I have written. I much prefer the strict tempo approach in order to get the full feeling of contrast. My opinion. What do you think?
WHAT I THINK. Dennis is spot on! Here is my revised poem.
Puppies (Revised)
The puppies chew on furniture,
and eat up books I’ve out on loan,
which now require expenditure
and thus become my very own.
They chew things just to hear them crunch
and chewed up paper lines our hall,
They miss the training pads a bunch
and won’t all come each time I call,
and yet,
I don’t believe their ever leavin’
Can’t release one puppy even.
They own me now; I’m enchanted.
Planned to sell but I’ve recanted.
They’ll outlive me, so I reckon
We’ll share love ’til angels beckon.
Joy and love and laughter reign –
Puppies make me young again!
© Lawrence Eberhart – 7/25/17
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