Mark A,
APOLOGIES. I didn't read you properly. You too and Carol read trimeter.

Janet

'Ballad stanza' would imply 4-line verses. 'Ballad measure' could be found in verses any length, or through written, as here. I should have said 'ballad measure' at the outset to make the meaning clearer. These trimeter readings suppress the poem's movement, to my mind. The 4-3 alternation is much more natural. And look at the thing, for heaven's sake! All the odd-numbered lines stick out. You think that's a coincidence?

The poem is very atmospheric, yes, but perhaps not very well executed, metrically speaking.

Alan

Alan, I don't think those lines stick out. I think they are emphatic and grave and very effective. They pause. I also think that he has used meter effectively and fluidly in the way a good actor speaks Shakespeare or similar. I think we must be very careful to remain open to originality and spontaneity. Not all worthy creations are classifiable nor are all classifiable works worthy, as I think you might agree.
Best,
Janet