When I am writing my own poems, I take a largely intuitive approach, much like what Roger describes (though a heavily rhymed form like a villanelle usually sends me to a rhyming dictionary to get a clearer idea of all the options). I have had to take a different tack in my rhymed translations of Catullus. Since I am not in control of the content, only the wording, I take it line by line, writing out literal translations of the content and looking for synonyms that might rhyme most easily (this part is extremely difficult and time consuming). If I am absolutely stumped for rhymes, I have occasionally gone for less literal translations and even inserted words that are not in the original (though I try at all costs to avoid this). I have found that it is important to rhyme on key words (not words like "and" or "it," even if they are easier). I wouldn't say that I have a knack for clever or funny rhymes, but I try hardest on the final rhyme, which has the biggest kick to it. And if the poem is obscene (often the case with Catullus) I try to rhyme on the obscenity, once again because it has the most impact.
Susan
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