Welcome to my latest blog entry on the art of poetry writing! Have you ever been enamored by a poem's captivating rhythm or hummed a memorable lyric?

The key to creating such alluring verse lies in the effective use of metrical feet. In this blog, we delve into the world of metrical poetry and show you how to master the art of crafting rhythmical poems that immediately win over your readers.

So, join us as we embark on an exciting journey of putting one metrical foot in front of the other and composing poetry that truly stands the test of time.

What Is A Metrical Foot In Poetry?

Just as in any type of dance, a writer must know where to place their feet to avoid missteps.

To craft poetry that gracefully flows across the page, it is essential to understand the power of the metrical foot.

As French actress Sophie Marceau famously said, 'I need the seasons to live to the rhythm of rain and sun.'

So, how does one master the art of putting one foot in front of the other in poetry?

Let's begin by defining what a metrical foot is. The meter of a poem is its unique rhythm, and classic English poetry can be divided into two groups based on:

1. The number of syllables in each line, and

2. The syllables that are stressed or accented.

To scan a line of poetry for its metrical structure, we look for the enunciated parts, which are known as metrical feet.

The combination of these feet determines the overall rhythm of the poem, with different names given based on the pace at which they flow off the tongue.

Common Metrical Feet in Poetry

1. Iamb: A weak syllable followed by a strong syllable

2. Trochee: A strong syllable followed by a weak syllable

3. Anapest: Two weak syllables followed by one strong syllable

4. Dactyl: One strong syllable followed by two weak syllables

Less Common Metrical Feet in English

1. Spondee: Two strong syllables

2. Pyrrhic: Two weak syllables

Note: The less common metrical feet are less frequent in the English language due to the tendency to stress one syllable in words over others.

Phew… Thank God That’s Over.

Here are the steps to determine the meter of a song using scansion:

1. Listen to the song without trying to analyze it. Simply enjoy it.

2. Listen to the song again, this time taking note of words that flow well together. This can be rhyming words or words that use alliteration.

3. Write down the noted words on a separate piece of paper, pausing the music as needed to record everything.

4. Refer to the diagram of metrical foot variations and cross-reference each lyrical line. Count the number of stressed and unstressed syllables in each line.

5. Analyze about 8-10 lines and look for patterns in the syllabic structure of the lines. Identify any similar sounds in the lines.

By following these steps, you can determine the meter of the song and be on your way to writing poetry with a winning rhythm!

To help demonstrate how to identify meters in a piece of music, we will be using the song "The Old Prince Still Lives at Home" performed by Shad.

To fully participate in the exercise, be sure to have the lyrics handy, which can be found by following along in the video below:

Where To Next, Maestro?

The art of creating rhythmic movements in poetry requires a harmonious balance between sounds and syllables.

This balance is crucial in conveying the intangible aspects of a poem to the reader, leading them to experience its repetitive pattern.

In the context of free verse, the challenge is to maintain a rhythmic flow while embracing its nonlinear nature. To achieve this, one must experiment with different pacing while ensuring that the rhythm remains consistent.

The beauty of metrical feet is that they provide a flexible framework for creating rhythm. Unlike in traditional forms such as the Spenserian sonnet or haiku, the metrical foot does not impose strict limitations on the poet.

Instead, it offers a tool for crafting rhythm through the stress of syllables and the sounds of words.

Moreover, incorporating rhyme into poetry can greatly enhance the musicality of the piece and make it more memorable. In essence, rhyme acts as a secret chord, elevating the song and dance of the poem.

Busta Rhyme & Reason

At some stage in our lives, we have all likely encountered a song that we instantly recognize.

This phenomenon is likely due to the rhythmic pattern embedded within the song, which has become ingrained in our subconscious, only to be revealed with the simple strike of a chord.

To gain a deeper understanding of the intricate art of songwriting, we will analyze Amy Lowell's poem "In a Garden" and examine her utilization of assonance to create rhyme.

Through a closer examination of her work, we can gain a better appreciation of how she creates a musical rhythm within her writing.

In a Garden

By Amy Lowell

Gushing from the mouths of stone menTo spread at ease under the skyIn granite-lipped basins,Where iris dabble their feetAnd rustle to a passing wind,The water fills the garden with its rushing,In the midst of the quiet of close-clipped lawns.Damp smell the ferns in tunnels of stone, Where trickle and plash the fountains, Marble fountains, yellowed with much water.Splashing down moss-tarnished steps It falls, the water;And the air is throbbing with it;With its gurgling and running;With its leaping, and deep, cool murmur.And I wished for night and you.I wanted to see you in the swimming-pool, White and shining in the silver-flecked water.While the moon rode over the garden, High in the arch of night,And the scent of the lilacs was heavy with stillness.Night and the water, and you in your whiteness, bathing!