Poetry Challenge #24-Poncho and Lefty

This lone cowpoke is trying to decide which form to use: “Sonnet?….Haiku?….or should it be a ballad?”

Sometimes it’s fun to write a poem on a topic; sometimes it’s fun to try to use a form.

We often use a form when it feels as though a poem is wandering around or getting wordy.

Forms force you to pay attention to the number of syllables you use or to a rhyme scheme.

A fairly easy form is the ballad.  

Poetry Challenge #24

Ballad of ____________________

Try writing a ballad of at least two verses.

A ballad usually has four lines in each verse with an ABAB rhyme scheme (every other line rhymes). It also has a strong rhythm. Lines alternate between four and three beats.

If you aren’t good at hearing beats, use eight syllables on one line and six on the next. Remember you can always write a ballad (or haiku or acrostic.)

Ballads are great to set to music if you are musically inclined! So if you’re having trouble finding that next line, hum a few bars.

Set the timer for 7 minutes.

Start writing!

Don’t think about it too much; just do it.

Ballads for inspirations Playlist:

• “I Started Early—Took My Dog” by Emily Dickenson

• “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot

• “Pancho and Lefty” by Townes Van Zandt, sung by Willie and Merle

• “Yesterday” by the Beatles

• “Edelweiss” from Sound of Music by Rogers and Hammerstein

After poeming, you enjoy Townes Van Zandt telling a story of “Pancho and Lefty” on TexasHillCountry.com

But now, sit back and enjoy as Grandboy Dylan strums “Edelweiss” on the streets of NY. If the video link won’t work, view the clip on Kelly Bennett Books YouTube Station

*Cindy Faughnan and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge at least 2800 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem. Scroll down and click on the comments!

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