rhyming poetry

A:DEFINITION OF RHYME The basic definition of rhyme is two words that sound alike. The vowel sound of two words is the same, but the initial consonant sound is different. Rhyme is perhaps the most recognizable convention of poetry, but its function is often overlooked. Rhyme helps to unify a poem; it also repeats a sound that links one concept to another, thus helping to determine the structure of a poem. When two subsequent lines rhyme, it is likely that they are thematically linked, or that the next set of rhymed lines signifies a slight departure. Especially in modern poetry, for which conventions aren't as rigidly determined as they were during the English Renaissance or in the eighteenth century, rhyme can indicate a poetic theme or the willingness to structure a subject that seems otherwise chaotic. Rhyme works closely with meter in this regard. There are varieties of rhyme: internal rhyme functions within a line of poetry, for example, while the more common end rhyme occurs at the end of the line and at the end of some other line, usually within the same stanza if not in subsequent lines. There are true rhymes (bear, care) and slant rhymes (lying, mine). There are also a number of predetermined rhyme schemes associated with different forms of poetry. Once you have identified a rhyme scheme, examine it closely to determine (1) how rigid it is, (2) how closely it conforms to a predetermined rhyme scheme (such as a sestina), and especially (3) what function it serves.

A:Oh that's absolutely not true. Children's poetry, just as an example, is all about rhyming ... it keeps them interested and it just sounds good. I'm a poet (published, so I KNOW people want to read it) and I write in rhyme all the time. It is real poetry, and just as hard, if not much harder, to write than free verse.

A:Actually, depending on what literary circles one travels in, rhyme (and other formal elements of poetry) are still quite relevant to contemporary poetry. I strongly recommend you look up up a movement called “New Formalism.” I’ve included a link for quick reference, although there are plenty of other sites that address the subject. http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5667 There are plenty of well known poets in the 21st century who are known for writing formal poetry, versus more open styles. That is not to say they don’t write in open forms, i.e. free verse, or experiment with pre-existing forms, but these particular poets are known to be strong advocates of applying a contemporary sensibility insofar as content to formal poetry. Some well respected practitioners of formal poetry include Richard Wilbur (Pulitzer Prize winner), Donald Justice (recently deceased alas, but also a Pulitzer Prize winner), Molly Peacock (recipient of numerous fellowships, endowments, and honors), Dana Gioia (currently chairman of the NEA), and so on. And of course, just as “formal” poets don’t write exclusively in form, “free” verse poets don’t always write in free verse. Of course, with any particular literary movement or aesthetic sensibility, there will always be its critiques and detractors. But if you have any doubt that good poems can still be written in form, you could only enrich your literary life by including the poems of the aforementioned poets. To declare that that ONLY a particular aesthetic constitutes worthwhile poetry would be the height of hubris. That being said, I think it's challenging to use rhyme successfully in a contemporary vernacular without it sounding "sing-songy" or forced. Sometimes what poets try to do in order to "naturalize" the voice is to use enjambments and to use alternates to straight rhymes such as slant rhymes, assonanance, and consonance. By the by, you've done quite nicely with the hymnal measure, which is a four line stanza with abab rhyme pattern, with iambic tetrameter in the 1st and 3rd lines and iambic trimeter in the 2nd and 4th lines. The form provides a pointed irony given that the content of the poem describes religious strife. So your example certainly justifies the use of rhyme not just for rhyming's sake. However, please correct me if I'm not current on recent Irish history, but aren't "The Troubles" becoming a thing of the past these days? Last I heard, Northern Ireland had organized a parliament involving both prominent Protestant and Catholic leaders. I hope matters haven't worsened since then!

A:Nah. Using a rhyming dictionary does two awesome things: 1- Helps you increase your vocabulary. 2- Keeps you from making boring rhymes. The longer you use it, the less you'll need it. If you're really uncomfortable using the rhyming dictionary, try playing with other forms that use fewer rhymes (or are unrhymed, if you want). There's absolutely no reason not to experiment with different forms and styles. You might even learn that you write awesome ghazals or something. But you don't need anyone's permission to write poetry a certain way, unless it's for a specific assignment.

A:The only word I can think of is Plato - but you could perhaps use 'ghetto' or 'graffito' I've always craved for the good life But,I've spent all my life in the ghettos Which means I've never tried caviar But, boy, can I make chipped potatoes!