Rhythm/Meter
Not all poems need to rhyme, but if you do choose to use rhyming in your poem, you will notice that it should have a rhythm, or meter. Some syllables are stressed (or emphasized), and some are unstressed. Usually they follow a pattern.
For example, limericks need to follow a pattern:
For example, limericks need to follow a pattern:
Read this poem, and you'll notice that each line seems to have a , rhythm. Lines 1,2, and 5 have three "beats", and lines 3 and 4 have two beats.
"Man from Peru" There once was a man from Peru Who dreamed he was eating his shoe He woke with a fright in the middle of the night To find that his dream had come true. |
Now read these poems--you'll notice that the last line has WAY too many beats to fit. In these cases, the author did it on purpose to jokingly show what happens when the rhythm, or meter is thrown off.
"Forgetful Gasman" A forgetful old gasman named Dieter, Who went poking around his gas heater, Touched a leak with his light; He blew out of sight— And, as everyone who knows anything about poetry can tell you, he also ruined the meter. "Limerick Stuffer" There once was a poet named Dan, Whose poetry just would not scan. When pointed out why, He said with a sigh, "I know, because I try to fit every last syllable on the last line that I can." |
PracticeTry figuring out what the accented, or emphasized syllable is for your name. For example:
-Sarah -Anthony -Rebecca Now try figuring out the accented syllables in this Dr. Seuss poem: Green Eggs and Ham Do you like green eggs and ham? I do not like them, Sam-I-am. I do not like green eggs and ham! Would you like them here or there? I would not like them here or there. I would not like them anywhere. I do so like green eggs and ham! Thank you! Thank you, Sam-I-am! See if you are correct: |
Sometimes it helps to clap on the beat, or accented syllable.
Try this Dr. Seuss poem: Yertle the Turtle I’m Yertle the Turtle! Oh, marvelous me! For I am the ruler of all that I see! Your Majesty. Please… I don’t like to complain. But down here below, we are feeling great pain. See if you are correct: |