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Poetry to prose: Editor's Notes #363
April 20, 2022
Hello,

Every word was once a poem. Every new relation is a new word.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson


In this issue:

1. From poetry to prose
2. Tickled my funny bone
3. Interesting Web site
4. Writing prompt

1.From poetry to prose
I’m with Emerson with respect to the opening quote of this issue as I often ponder the circumstances of the first use of a word. Who used it? When? In what circumstance? Why did the original combination of sounds seem like the expression of an idea that had not yet been expressed?

In the same vein, I delight in new combinations of words or thoughts, especially those that linger in the mind. When I find them, I suspect I have found a writer with roots in poetry.

Poetry is many things. Here is a partial list of what makes good poetry good. Ponder the list, and I think you will agree that these items also make good prose better.
  • Compact language
  • Metaphor
  • Rhythm
  • Meter
  • Fresh insight
  • Memorable expression
  • Pleasing combinations of sounds

If you want to improve your writing, feed on poetry. As it seeps into your discourse, your writing will have more traits of poetry, and that can only be a good thing.

April is Poetry Month. Use it to bring more poetry into your life.

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2.Tickled my funny bone
I Know
(Author Unknown)
One time I thought I knew it all
But now I must confess
The more I know I know I know
I know I know the less.


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3. Interesting Web site
In case you missed it in the past, here is the link to my free email course in writing verse for children. If you want to write in rhyme for adults, it’s for you, too.
https://www.writershelper.com/write- verse.html

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4. Writing prompt
Spring has sprung.
The grass is riz….

In celebration of spring and poetry month, write a new ending to this rhyme. I’d love to see what you write. The link below is to a blog post with alternate endings. The post itself is fine. There are many comments that give new endings, so be sure to read some of them, too, if you are looking for what others have done with this assignment. https://www.mamalisa.com/blog/spring-has-sprung-the-grass-is-riz/

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