Quote:
Originally Posted by Rose Kelleher
p.s. Some here seem to be arguing that syllabics in English aren't worthwhile. But obviously some beautiful poems have been written in syllabics in English. So what am I missing? Look at the examples and ask yourself: Is this good poem? Is it, in fact, a better poem than most of my boring crap? If so, maybe I shouldn't dismiss the technique on pedantic theoretical grounds.
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Before you can say Nevermind . . .
As to what you're missing, Rose, I'd say it's probably just the point of the argument. No one here (to my knowledge--I'd have to go back and check thoroughly to be sure) has said that there haven't been beautiful poems written in syllabics. The question is whether syllabics represent a true metre in English--as opposed to, say, a method of composition, or "free-verse prosody." And that, pedantic as it may sound, is a valid question--one which, if the inclination ever strikes you to look, you will find has received considerable attention in the literature on English metrics.
Anyway, as (presumably) one of the pedants whom you're lashing out at here, I'll just say for the record that I find Justice's poem (since that is primarily what I've been talking about) a very ho-hum affair--not actively bad, just not very interesting, all in all. But that's my opinion. As for contemplating my own writing as "boring crap," however, even if only for the purpose of comparison . . . I can assure you, the thought has never so much as crossed my mind.
Steve C.