Tag Archives: Turner

Galloping Denturn

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GALLOPING DENTURN is a poetry form invented by Dennis William Turner, writing on All Poetry as Dennisturner19.

  • It is comprised of two DACTYLIC 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 ANAPESTIC tetrameter, make the argument, (emphasised by the change of metre.)

Turner’s Example

Form: Galloping Denturn

Why Bother?

Sometimes, my targets are scarcely attainable;
All that I try to do seems to fall short,
Efforts invested are hardly sustainable,
Work and commitment can all come to nought.
Labour seems pointless with goals unachievable.
Destined for failure, why should I still try?
Thoughts of success can be quite inconceivable.
“Try, try again,” they say. I just say, “Why?”

Although…

There’s a lot to be said for attempting your best
And for pushing and striving that little bit more
And remaining committed when put to the test
And to put in more effort than ever before.
If I DON’T try at all, then I’m doomed from the start
And it’s not a nice thing to be doomed, I confess,
So all negative thoughts should be set well apart
And I’ll give it the best that I can — nothing less!

© Dennis Turner, November 2017

My Attempt

Form: Galloping Denturn

Self-Medication

Ardently I do eschew taking medicine
arguing strongly against such reliance.
Eating correctly provides all my lecithin,
AND all the nutrients known now to science.
Certainly sponsors will vouch with some clarity
championing benefits brand names provide.
Taking their claims as the truth would be charity
Knowing beforehand how many have lied.

However,

With my tendency shown to perhaps skip some meals,
to respond to the TV’s promoting fast food,
and to pay much attention to five dollar deals
well, I might then deduce that my diet’s no good.
And I do take my Bayer’s prescribed for my heart,
and some Anacin, rarely, without too much fuss
since my doc’ says take pills — well then maybe I’ll start
I’m not stupid, you know, just a growing old cuss.

© Lawrencealot, November 2017

A Visual Template:

Diabolo

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Diabolo is a poetry form invented by Dennis William Turner, writing on All Poetry as Dennisturner19.

His specifications and an example:

  • A poem of two, six-line, iambic stanzas.
  • Each stanza:
    • Lines 1,2,4 and 5, iambic tetrameter with rhymes at syllables 6 and 8.
    • Lines 3 and 6, iambic Dimeter with rhymes at syllables 2 and 4.
  • Rhyme scheme:
    • (a,b,)(a,b,)(c,d,)(e,f,)(e,f,)(c,d, )
    • (g,h,)(g,h,)(i,j,)(k,l,)(k,l,)(i,j, )

Turner’s Example

Form: Diabolo

Utopia

Man’s instinct was to stay alive;
He fought so that he may survive
And procreate,
But time for fighting should be done
And lasting friendships could be won.
A noble state.

All people should say “No” before
Their leaders choose to go to war.
The shame should cease.
To kill is such a frightful sin;
We must all do the right thing in
The name of peace.

© Dennis William Turner, August 2017

My Example

Form: Diabolo

Supremacist

I hate him cuz he’s not like me,
and we’re a special lot, you see.
we’re white and loud.
As white privilege (without a need,
our culture’s flaw, no doubt, indeed.)
A rightful crowd!

To bully people, black and brown
we threaten them and back them down;
our tool is fear.
Our president equivocates;
thinks screaming is just give and take –
so cool and clear!

© Lawrence Eberhart, August 2017

Denturn

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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

Visual Template:

Inverted Refrain

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  • Inverted Refrain is an invented form found at Shadow Poetry, created by the winner of their 2007 Chap Book Competition, Jan Turner and published in Faery Folk and Fireflies.
    I believe the form took its name from the rhetorical device, “inverted refrain”, originally used by the ancient Greek poet Sappho. “Inverted refrain” is a writing technique in which the syntax of a line is reversed. eg ..the Sapphic line “I know not what to do”. I am not sure that the composition instruction at Shadow Poetry exactly fits the literary definition of “inverted refrain” but the form could still be a fun challenge to conquer as long as it enhances the delivery of the poet’s thoughts,    The Inverted Refrain as an invented verse form is:

    • stanzaic, written in any number of sixains, made up of a quatrain followed by an indented couplet.
    • syllabic, all lines are 8 syllables.
    • rhymed, rhyme scheme ababab or ababba, cdcdcd or cdcddc etc….
    • composed in the following manner, “the first four lines of a stanza create a statement from which the last 2 lines extract the meaning, and invert the way it is said.” Jan Turner @Shadow Poetry
  • Finding Faeries by Jan Turner (stanza 1) the whole poem can be read at Shadow Poetry.
    A sprinkling shine of faery dust
    is mica-layered on the rocks
    Pretending to be nature’s crust
    It really is a paradox:
    ——— A paradox of mica rocks
    ——— From faery dust on nature’s crust.
Many thanks to Judi Van Gorder of PMO (PoetryMagnumOpus) for maintaining a wonderful resouce site.
 
Example Poem
White Man’s Heaven      (Inverted Refrain)
He didn’t know about the Lord
so was exempt from Cath’lic hell.
The church tried bringing him aboard
but he was fallible and fell.
        Instead of finding Lord’s reward
        he now in mortal fear must dwell.
© Lawrencealot – November 28, 2013
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Florette

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The Florette, created by Jan Turner, consists of two or more stanzas for either of the two versions.
Version 1 – Quatrain Stanazas
Rhyme scheme: aaba , with interlaced rhyme in line four, where syllable eight shares the “b” rhyme.
 Syllabic:           8/8/8/12 
Meter:               Iambic
Version 5 – Quintet Stanazas
Rhyme scheme:  aabba,  with interlaced rhyme in line five, where syllable eight shares the “b” rhyme.
 Syllabic:             8/8/8/8/12 
Meter:                 Iambic
Sample Poem
Meeting for a Drink     (Florette)While sitting near my fountain, dear
a pretty yellow finch appeared.
When he came by to say hello
it thrilled me much to simply know I wasn’t feared.
He studied me expression wise,
as if the sight was no surprise;
he groomed his feathers, seemed to think,
then bowed to me and took a drink, just we two guys.
© Lawrencealot – November 28, 2013
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Alouette poetry form

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The Alouette, created by Jan Turner,
consists of two or more stanzas of 6 lines each, (12 lines or more)
with the following set rules:
Syllabic: 5/5/7/5/5/7
Rhyme Scheme:  aabccb
The form name is a French word meaning ‘skylark’ or larks that fly high,
the association to the lark’s song being appropriate for the musical quality
of this form. The word ‘alouette’ can also mean a children’s song
(usually sung in a group), and although this poetry form is not necessarily
for children’s poetry (but can be applied that way), it is reminiscent of
that style of short lines.  Preference for the meter accent is on the
third syllable of each line.
Example Poem
Visual Template
Regrets
I’m not satisfied
and my dreams have died.
I wanted to do much more.
I lived for the day,
then you went away,
Now I long for distant shore.
My clock’s running out,
I’ve cancer and gout,
but I’m prosperous and free.
My wealth they could keep
if I could but sleep
close to you, across the sea.
© Lawrencealot – April 18,2012
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Wrapped Refrain Style 1

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The Wrapped Refrain, created by Jan Turner, consists of 2 or more stanzas of 6 lines each; Meter:8,8,8,8,12,12 and Rhyme Scheme: aabbcc.
Refrain rule: In each stanza the first 4 syllables (or 4 single-syllable words) in the first line must be the last 4 syllables (or 4 single-syllable words) at the end of the last line. This is what wraps each stanza with a repeated refrain …thus, the Wrapped Refrain.
Optional: The first stanza refrain and last stanza refrain can be joined (or loosely joined) together for the title of the poem.
Example #1:
Let’s Steal Away to Meet Again
Let’s steal away to some place cool,
with rivulets that foam and pool
beneath a wooded, shady shore
that frames the rocks with sycamore.
The afternoon has just begun; without delay,
let’s meet beneath the shaded sun…let’s steal away.
Let’s meet again where once we knew
the buttercups with golden dew;
we scurried to our hidden spot
where I recall forget-me-not.
And, we shall have the promised dreams that we did then,
as we revisit hideaways…let’s meet again.
Copyright © 2007 Jan Turner
Example #2:
A Chance Taken  (Wrapped Refrain)
Let’s toss the dice while hormones rage.
although I’m bright I’m not a sage.
Escorting you I feel I’ve won
a treasure though we’ve just begun.
I’ve met your folks; they seem stable, loving, and nice.
That kind of template should suffice; let’s toss the dice.
The dice were rolled and kids were born.
The raging cooled and you were torn
by boring days and nights alone.
I was at sea and could not phone.
Your searching started then; that’s when the bells were tolled.
Though we parted since, I’m still glad the dice were rolled.
© Lawrencealot – February 13, 2013
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Wrapped Refrain Style 2

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Wrapped Refrain (Form No. 2), created by Jan Turner, carries some similar aspects as her Wrapped Refrain form, with further advanced techniques. It consists of 2 or more stanzas of 8 lines each, with the following set rules:
Meter: 14/14/8/8/8/8/14/14
Rhyme Scheme: aabbccdd.
Refrain rule: In each stanza, the first 10 syllables in the first line (incorporating a phrase) must be the last 10 syllables at the end of the last line (line #8).
Example #1:
Castle in the Clouds
Bavaria, you render dreams come true on hills of white.
Your castle glints through moonbeams, snowy spires in the night.
My mind says it’s just a mirage
or nature playing with collage…
that if I turn around I bet
it shall just disappear, and yet
my eyes instead see parapets that break the skyline blue,
as straight ahead, Bavaria, you render dreams come true.
Bavaria, your Disneyland is mine this very night;
it’s just as if your castle planned its setting, out of sight,
for some of us to stumble on.
But, if I blink will it be gone?
This castle you have hid so well
enchants me with its magic spell;
it lures me into fantasies en-wrapped with snowy pine.
You render dreams, Bavaria… your Disneyland is mine.
Copyright © 2009 Jan Turner
Pasted from <http://www.shadowpoetry.com/resources/wip/wrappedrefrain2.html>
My example poem:
Consumption Gumption  (Wrapped Refrain style 2)
Folks of different cultures do of course feel differently.
I’d rather have them eat a horse instead of eating me.
A measure of degree again
for horses are almost our kin.
They’re friends and assets with great worth
They’ve carried us and toiled the earth.
Man’s climb from darkness was aided by the dog and the horse.
Eat them? No, but folks of different cultures do of course
To preclude cannibalism of course I’d eat a beast
who also soon would die, but it would be a sorry feast.
Moral questions now spring to light–
Is eating sentient things alright?
Natures template seems not to care.
Strong eat the weak most everywhere.
It’s easy to eat “thoughtless” things but not our friend the horse–
unless required to preclude cannibalism of course.
© Lawrencealot – Febrary 13, 2013.
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Staccato

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The Staccato, created by Jan Turner, consists of two or more 6-line stanzas.
 
Rhyme scheme: aabbcc.
*Required internal rhyme scheme interplay between line #1 and line #2 (see below explanation and examples).
 
Meter:  10/10/8/8/10/10
 
Repeats: This form requires a 2-syllable repeat in Lines #3 and #6 as specified below.
 
As in a musical notation, The Staccato poetry form uses
short repeats which are abruptly disconnected
elements. The repeat words are read as rapid-fire speech,
such as staccato music when played or sung.
This form lends itself to strong emotion or instruction
(i.e. military poems: “Charge on! Charge on!” etc.),
a declaration (such as of an event: “We’re married!
We’re married!” etc.), an instruction or emphasis of
human emotion (such as love, hate, longing: “Be mine!
Be mine!” etc.), strong observation (such as
“Those eyes! Those eyes!” etc.) or any similar
situation where a strong staccato repeat is desired.
 
The emphatic two-syllable repeat in this poetry form
is written twice, consecutively, at the beginning of
Line #3 (each repeat in Line #3 is followed by an exclamation mark),
 and once again at the beginning of Line #6
(with or without an exclamation mark in Line #6).
 
Also, Line #2 requires an internal rhyme scheme that rhymes
with a word within Line #1, usually falling on
the 6th syllable (see examples below), but can fall earlier
in those two lines as long as the internal rhyme
matches the syllabic stress in both lines .
 
Example Poem
 
Let’s Write a Staccato
 
A staccato let’s write, right here and now.
It’s simple, really quite forward, here’s how.
Notice! Notice! Internal rhyme
in lines one and two just in time
for a repeated exclamation, yet
notice third repeat may in quiet set.
 
That inversion my dear, was just for show
to make the rhyme quite clear of course you know.
I know! I know! Poor form to teach
Is most certainly a bad breach.
Since this poem with that err I fetter
I know you, my readers, can do better.
 
(c) Lawrencealot – September 11, 2012
 
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Tri-Fall

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Tri-fall                                                                
The Tri-fall, created by Jan Turner,                                         
consists three 6-line stanzas, for a total of 18 lines.                         
 
Rhyme Scheme: abcabc                                        
Line-length  for each stanza is as follows: 6/3/8/6/3/8.          
Meter optional
                                                
This form requires little to no punctuation and can be written on any subject matter.     
 
Example Poem
 
  Surrender
 
Her passion was too much.
Now it’s gone.
She condemned, deplored all abuse.
She praised the thrill of touch.
We’ll bear on.
The jealous piled on, no excuse.
 
Her life was filled with hurt.
despite that,
or because of it, she performed
as an erotic flirt.
When at-bat
she homered passion unreformed.
 
Some men became aroused,
not content
to live within her fantasies,
and when requests were doused
time was spent
in fighting her apostasies.
 
 
 
© Lawrencealot – Aug 23, 2012    
Written about a very real AP Poet.
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