Thanks, Glenn, for clarifying the metrical framework. I can see it now—and with that lens, the tetrameter structure does come through more clearly. That said, I think what initially threw me off was the high frequency of metrical substitutions—particularly the use of anapests in place of iambs—which created a looser rhythm in places. But that may well be a stylistic choice, and I’ll be more flexible in my scanning going forward.
I’ll also keep an eye out and let you know if any lines still feel metrically strained, even with that allowance.
Cheers,
…Alex
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