Acrostic poems for darius

Poems made from the Acrostic Beat Poem Generator in the description

2016.03.30 20:27 Poems made from the Acrostic Beat Poem Generator in the description

This is for acrostic beat poems made by this acrostic beat poem generator: http://www.carbonpictures.com/peppebeatpoemgenerato
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2020.09.20 02:10 Darius_Kel Darius_Kel: Darius_Kel's archive of stories.

This subreddit is the archive for the content produced, authored, and posted by u/Darius_Kel.
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2024.05.19 00:35 Joeldidgood What should I do with my Capricorn?

So I want to understand well my Capricorn and avoid to be a weirdo or freak her up.
So after a lot of years I retook contact with her because I wanted to apologize with her because I'm the past for lies from others, she ended getting mad at me for something I didn't have nothing to do and would take my distance for very long.
So we retook contact and was fine and good but something I have notice is that when chatting sometimes she won't answer more questions or keep the conversation going, so I would let her days to do her stuff and all that.
I know many would say but she is just disrespecting you and doesn't care , but I know her besides hating social medias and all that, she hasn't been doing great as well since her cat die some weeks ago, even thought it was a lot of years without contact I decided to help a little even thought she was surprised and say that she would repay me as soon as possible, I say it was allright that she would have done the same if I would be on difficulty.
Last week she have a fall down and posted some stuff about her cat, so we chatted a bit and she told me about the cats she has lost and even thought many hate sensibility , I somehow find this cute and give me more understanding of her.
Eventually I made an acrostic poem of her cat name with each letter, I don't know if it was cringe or bad , or that she simply read it and push the difficulties she got on the week.
The thing is that I didn't got an answer and I understand that she has been dealing with a lot, week has been busy for both of us.
But I don't know I'm thinking to write her seeing that tomorrow is Sunday and everybody got free but I don't want to be annoying or feel clingy to her.
Sooo capricorns, what should I do? What you people think is going on?
She hasn't answer many times in the past but I don't take it personally and let her be, she doesn't really write me first before except a few times with a greeting with a lot of exclamations marks hahaha.
I just don't want for her to lose interest, neither to feel alone and misunderstood in those difficult times.
She has told me that she doesn't feel understood about the situation of her cat with her family and she wrote me about it.
Sometimes in afraid to say the wrong thing because I feel like walking in a glass bridge that could break at anytime.
submitted by Joeldidgood to capricorns [link] [comments]

2024.05.18 19:56 julinay Fancam Links for Day 2 of Onew's Fanmeet (2PM and 6PM Showings on 5/18)

(Just FYI, these aren't in any particular order, and some songs might have been missed! Fancams for the 6PM showing will be in a comment under this post. Day 1 fancams are here.)
>> 5/18 2PM Show <<
Prompt: “Will you sing until you’re 80?”
Jinki: “No, I will sing until the very end.”
Here
https://twitter.com/dubbabx2/status/1791732673964294574?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g (learning & challenge)
https://twitter.com/justrolyn/status/1791719296508604634?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g (same as above w/ screen visible)
https://twitter.com/i_became_wintestatus/1791720119879761921?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g (same as above, different angle)
https://twitter.com/flamer_oflove/status/1791717081584632178?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g
https://twitter.com/shinyview/status/1791717826157215762?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g
https://twitter.com/jinkizzang2ya/status/1791727846890881508?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g (entire song)
https://twitter.com/shinyview/status/1791709604197396970?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g (mouth trumpet part)
https://twitter.com/loleeta718/status/1791708838229598234?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g (starts with Shawols doing Giriboy's rap)
https://twitter.com/o_oo_ooo_oo/status/1791708481835467262?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g (mouth trumpet part)
https://twitter.com/__i2i4/status/1791728980770382225?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g
https://twitter.com/lettet1119/status/1791723234762899960?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g
https://twitter.com/neverleaveu_u/status/1791748595164799016?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g
https://twitter.com/wang_bbbang/status/1791739970962809132?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g
https://twitter.com/lettet1119/status/1791714294939505124?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g
https://twitter.com/geminids_night/status/1791728989775810639?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g
https://twitter.com/__i2i4/status/1791718821893476771?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g
https://twitter.com/shinyview/status/1791710403384230148?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g
https://twitter.com/shinyview/status/1791698357922226337?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g
https://x.com/sooponew/status/1791738749891842197?
https://twitter.com/gpensl_so_sweet/status/1791719282109513748?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g
https://twitter.com/violisanz/status/1791735683473883223?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g
https://twitter.com/o_newnyung/status/1791739222627635471?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g
https://twitter.com/jinkizzang2ya/status/1791745670703177771?s=46&t=y73hUBOW1FMaLyGiUET08g
https://twitter.com/__i2i4/status/1791747761211117862
submitted by julinay to SHINee [link] [comments]

2024.05.18 14:29 adulting4kids Week One Poetry

Week 1: Introduction to Poetry and Sonnets
Day 1: Overview of Poetry Styles - Activity: Icebreaker - Introduce yourself through a poetic name acrostic. - Lecture: Brief history of poetry, introduction to various styles. - Discussion: What draws you to poetry? Share your favorite poems.
Day 2: Understanding Sonnets - Activity: Analyze a classic sonnet together. - Lecture: Explanation of sonnet structure (Shakespearean and Petrarchan). - Discussion: Share initial impressions and feelings about sonnets.
Day 3: Writing Exercise - Crafting a Sonnet - Activity: Break down sonnet structure with examples. - Assignment: Write a sonnet exploring a personal experience or emotion. - Vocabulary Words: Quatrain, Couplet, Volta.
Day 4: Peer Review and Feedback - Activity: Peer review workshop for sonnets. - Lecture: Discuss common challenges and strategies in sonnet writing. - Discussion: Share insights gained from reviewing peers' work.
Day 5: Recap and Reflection - Activity: Reflect on the week's lessons and exercises. - Lecture: Overview of upcoming weeks. - Assignment: Write a short reflection on what you've learned about poetry and sonnets.
Study Guide Questions for Week 1: 1. What is the basic structure of a sonnet? 2. Compare and contrast Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnets. 3. How does the volta contribute to the meaning of a sonnet? 4. Discuss the role of rhyme and meter in sonnets. 5. Explore your personal connection to poetry. What emotions or themes resonate with you?
Quiz: A short quiz assessing understanding of sonnet structure, key terms, and the historical context of poetry.
Week 2: Embracing Haiku and Villanelle
Day 1: Understanding Haiku - Activity: Analyze classic haikus. - Lecture: Explain the traditional structure and themes of haikus. - Discussion: Share thoughts on the simplicity and depth of haikus.
Day 2: Crafting Haikus - Activity: Write haikus individually. - Lecture: Discuss the significance of nature in haikus. - Discussion: Share and discuss individual haikus.
Day 3: Unraveling the Villanelle - Activity: Analyze a famous villanelle. - Lecture: Explore the structure and repetition in villanelles. - Discussion: Discuss the impact of repeated lines on the overall theme.
Day 4: Writing Exercise - Composing a Villanelle - Activity: Break down the process of crafting a villanelle. - Assignment: Write a villanelle on the theme of memory or loss. - Vocabulary Words: Tercet, Refrain, Envoi.
Day 5: Peer Review and Feedback - Activity: Peer review workshop for villanelles. - Lecture: Discuss the challenges and beauty of crafting repetitive forms. - Discussion: Share insights gained from reviewing peers' villanelles.
Study Guide Questions for Week 2: 1. What defines a haiku? Discuss its structure and thematic elements. 2. Explore the cultural significance of nature in haikus. 3. What is the structure of a villanelle, and how does repetition contribute to its impact? 4. Discuss the emotions evoked by repeated lines in a villanelle. 5. Reflect on the process of crafting a villanelle. What challenges did you face?
Quiz: Assessment on the understanding of haikus, villanelles, and the effective use of repetition in poetry.
submitted by adulting4kids to writingthruit [link] [comments]

2024.05.17 14:51 adulting4kids Holiday Poetry

  1. Haiku for Hanukkah:
    • Craft a series of haikus capturing the essence of Hanukkah, focusing on the symbolism of light, the menorah, and the joy of shared traditions.
  2. Sonnet of Diwali Delights:
    • Write a sonnet that explores the colors, lights, and festivities of Diwali, incorporating themes of triumph over darkness and the spirit of renewal.
  3. Kwanzaa Villanelle:
    • Create a villanelle that reflects on the seven principles of Kwanzaa, exploring the repeated refrains to convey a sense of unity, purpose, and cultural celebration.
  4. Las Posadas Limericks:
    • Compose a set of limericks capturing the humorous and heartwarming moments of Las Posadas, focusing on the characters and the reenactment of the journey to Bethlehem.
  5. St. Lucia's Day Free Verse:
    • Write a free verse poem that explores the sensory experience of St. Lucia's Day, using vivid imagery to convey the sights, sounds, and emotions of the candlelit processions.
  6. Winter Solstice Cinquains:
    • Create a series of cinquains that capture the anticipation, stillness, and eventual rebirth associated with the Winter Solstice.
  7. Chinese New Year Acrostic:
    • Compose an acrostic poem using the words "Chinese New Year," incorporating each letter to convey the energy, symbolism, and cultural richness of the celebration.
  8. Ganna Elegy:
    • Write an elegy that reflects on the Ethiopian Christmas (Ganna), exploring themes of faith, tradition, and the emotional resonance of the holiday.
  9. Oshogatsu Haiga:
    • Combine haiku with visual elements in a haiga to capture the serene beauty and cultural significance of Oshogatsu, incorporating traditional New Year imagery.
  10. Global Celebrations Ghazal:
    • Craft a ghazal that weaves together the diverse elements of global holiday celebrations, exploring the shared threads of joy, love, and cultural exchange.
submitted by adulting4kids to writingthruit [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 14:28 adulting4kids Poetry Syllabus

Course Title: Exploring the Panorama of Poetry
Course Description: This course delves into the rich tapestry of poetic forms, guiding students through the exploration and creation of fifty distinct styles of poetry. From classic sonnets to innovative forms like golden shovel and palindrome poetry, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of poetic expression, learning the nuances of each style and honing their creative skills.
Week 1-2: Introduction to Poetry and Sonnets - Overview of poetry styles - In-depth study of sonnets - Writing Exercise: Crafting a sonnet on personal experiences
Week 3-4: Embracing Haiku and Villanelle - Understanding the elegance of haiku - Exploring the repetitive beauty of villanelles - Writing Exercise: Composing haikus inspired by nature
Week 5-6: Limericks and the Art of Humor - Decoding the humor in limericks - Crafting limericks with wit and wordplay - Writing Exercise: Creating humorous limericks on everyday topics
Week 7-8: Free Verse and Acrostic Poetry - Liberating creativity through free verse - Playing with words in acrostic poems - Writing Exercise: Expressing emotions through free verse
Week 9-10: Ghazal and Tanka Mastery - Unveiling the beauty of ghazals - Crafting tankas with precision - Writing Exercise: Creating a ghazal on themes of love and longing
Week 11-12: Cinquains and Pantoum Prowess - Perfecting the art of cinquains - Embracing the rhythmic challenges of pantoums - Writing Exercise: Developing a pantoum on personal growth
Week 13-14: Sestina and Rondeau Exploration - Mastering the intricacies of sestinas - Crafting rondeaus with musicality - Writing Exercise: Composing a sestina on the theme of time
Week 15-16: Triolets and Kyrielles - Understanding the charm of triolets - Embracing the structure of kyrielles - Writing Exercise: Crafting a triolet on the beauty of simplicity
Week 17-18: Ode to Joyful Ballads - Writing joyful odes - Crafting narrative ballads - Writing Exercise: Creating an ode celebrating personal achievements
Week 19-20: Epic Journeys and Blank Verse - Exploring epic storytelling - Mastering the art of blank verse - Writing Exercise: Composing a blank verse poem reflecting on personal reflections
Week 21-22: Petrarchan Musings and Terza Rima Mastery - Delving into Petrarchan sonnets - Crafting poems using terza rima - Writing Exercise: Writing a Petrarchan sonnet on conflicting emotions
Week 23-24: Renga Collaboration and Prose Poetry - Collaborative renga creation - Experimenting with prose poetry - Writing Exercise: Crafting a prose poem inspired by a vivid memory
Week 25-26: Concrete Poetry and Narrative Art - Creating visual impact with concrete poetry - Mastering the art of narrative poetry - Writing Exercise: Developing a narrative poem based on personal experiences
Week 27-28: Pastoral Elegies and Morning Aubades - Writing pastoral poetry - Crafting mournful elegies - Writing Exercise: Composing an aubade capturing the essence of dawn
Week 29-30: Ekphrastic Marvels and Found Poetry Adventures - Creating poetry inspired by art - Crafting poems through found materials - Writing Exercise: Developing an ekphrastic poem based on a chosen artwork
Week 31-32: Epigrams and Clerihew Laughter - Crafting witty epigrams - Writing humorous clerihews - Writing Exercise: Composing a clerihew about a contemporary figure
Week 33-34: Quatrains and Double Dactyl Delight - Mastering the art of quatrains - Crafting light-hearted double dactyls - Writing Exercise: Creating a quatrain reflecting on the beauty of simplicity
Week 35-36: Terzanelles and Haibun Adventures - Crafting terzanelles with precision - Exploring the combination of prose and haiku in haibun - Writing Exercise: Composing a haibun narrating a meaningful travel experience
Week 37-38: Golden Shovel Challenges and Villancico Celebrations - Creating poems using the golden shovel technique - Crafting festive villancicos - Writing Exercise: Developing a golden shovel poem using a line from a favorite poem
Week 39-40: Tercet Beauty and Sevenling Narratives - Embracing the charm of tercets - Crafting sevenlings with narrative flair - Writing Exercise: Composing a sevenling reflecting on a vivid childhood memory
Week 41-42: Palindrome Reflections and Parallelismus Membrorum Insights - Creating palindrome poetry - Crafting poems using parallelismus membrorum - Writing Exercise: Developing a palindrome poem exploring balance in life
Week 43-44: Rubaiyat Contemplations and Blues Poem Expressions - Exploring Persian poetry with rubaiyats - Crafting poems inspired by the blues - Writing Exercise: Composing a rubaiyat on themes of love or mortality
Week 45-46: Erasure Transformations and Anaphora Intensity - Crafting poetry through erasure - Mastering the use of anaphora - Writing Exercise: Creating an erasure poem using a page from a novel or newspaper
Week 47-48: Tetractys and Sijo Harmonies - Crafting tetractys with specific syllable counts - Exploring traditional Korean poetry with sijo - Writing Exercise: Developing a sijo capturing a moment of beauty or introspection
Week 49-50: Blitz Poem Exploration and Epitaph Conclusions - Crafting blitz poems with rapid expression - Writing poignant epitaphs - Final Project: Compose an original poem using a style of the student's choice, reflecting personal growth throughout the course.
Assessment: - Weekly writing exercises - Participation in collaborative projects - Midterm and final projects showcasing mastery of chosen styles
Materials: - Poetry anthologies - Artworks for ekphrastic exercises - Writing journals - Selected readings for each style
Prerequisites: None. Open to all students with an interest in poetry and creative expression.
submitted by adulting4kids to writingthruit [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 09:55 adulting4kids Types of Poems

  1. Sonnet:
    A 14-line poem, traditionally written in iambic pentameter, with various rhyme schemes such as Shakespearean (ABABCDCDEFEFGG).
  2. Haiku:
A three-line Japanese poem with a 5-7-5 syllable count, typically capturing a moment in nature.
  1. Free Verse:
    Poetry without a fixed rhyme or meter, allowing for greater freedom and natural flow of expression.
  2. Villanelle
: A 19-line poem with a specific structure, containing five tercets followed by a concluding quatrain, using only two rhymes.
  1. Acrostic:
    A poem where the first letter of each line, when read vertically, spells out a word or message.
  2. Limerick
: A humorous five-line poem with a specific meter and rhyme scheme (AABBA).
  1. Ghazal:
A form of poetry with rhyming couplets and a repeating refrain, often exploring themes of love and loss.
  1. Tanka
: A Japanese form of poetry with a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable count structure, focusing on nature and emotions.
  1. Sestina:
    A complex poem with six stanzas of six lines each, ending with a three-line envoi; the same six words end the lines in a shifting pattern.
  2. Cinquain
: A five-line poem with a specific syllable count for each line (2-4-6-8-2), often used to capture a moment or emotion.
  1. Rondeau:
    A 13-line poem with a rhyme scheme and repetition of specific words, often emphasizing themes of love.
  2. Pantoum
: A form of poetry with repeating lines, where the second and fourth lines of each stanza become the first and third lines of the next.
  1. Ode:
A lyrical poem expressing strong emotions or deep feelings, often addressed to a particular person or thing.
  1. Elegy:
    A mournful poem, typically written in remembrance of someone who has passed away.
  2. Ekphrastic
: A poem inspired by a work of art, often describing or reflecting on the visual piece.
  1. Concrete Poetry:
    Poems where the arrangement of words on the page forms a visual representation of the subject.
  2. Prose Poetry
: A hybrid of prose and poetry, characterized by its free-flowing structure and poetic language within prose form.
  1. Epigram:
A short, witty, and often satirical poem or statement, typically with a clever or humorous ending.
  1. Quatrain
: A four-line stanza or poem with various rhyme schemes, commonly used in ballads and hymns.
  1. Epitaph
: A short poem or inscription on a tombstone in memory of the deceased.
submitted by adulting4kids to writingthruit [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 14:29 adulting4kids Poetry Course Week Three and Four

Week 3: Limericks and the Art of Humor
Day 1: Decoding Limericks - Activity: Analyze classic limericks for rhythm and humor. - Lecture: Discuss the AABBA rhyme scheme and distinctive rhythm. - Discussion: Share favorite humorous poems and discuss elements that make them funny.
Day 2: Crafting Limericks with Wit - Activity: Write limericks individually, focusing on humor and rhythm. - Lecture: Explore the balance of humor and structure in limericks. - Discussion: Share and discuss individual limericks, highlighting successful elements.
Day 3: Understanding Free Verse - Activity: Analyze free verse poems for structure and expression. - Lecture: Introduce the concept of free verse and its flexibility. - Discussion: Discuss the liberation and challenges of writing without a strict structure.
Day 4: Writing Exercise - Expressing Emotions in Free Verse - Activity: Explore emotions and write a free verse poem. - Assignment: Craft a free verse poem exploring a personal experience or emotion. - Vocabulary Words: Enjambment, Cadence, Anapest.
Day 5: Peer Review and Feedback - Activity: Peer review workshop for free verse poems. - Lecture: Discuss the artistic freedom and impact of free verse. - Discussion: Share insights gained from reviewing peers' free verse poems.
Study Guide Questions for Week 3: 1. What defines a limerick, and how does its rhythm contribute to its humor? 2. Discuss the importance of the AABBA rhyme scheme in limericks. 3. How does free verse differ from structured forms of poetry? 4. Explore the challenges and benefits of writing without a strict form in free verse. 5. Reflect on the emotions and experiences expressed in your free verse poem.
Quiz: Assessment on limericks, the AABBA rhyme scheme, and the principles of free verse.
Week 4: Free Verse and Acrostic Poetry
Day 1: Embracing Free Verse - Activity: Analyze diverse free verse poems for individual expression. - Lecture: Discuss famous free verse poets and their impact on the genre. - Discussion: Share personal reactions to the artistic freedom of free verse.
Day 2: Crafting Emotion in Free Verse - Activity: Write a free verse poem expressing a specific emotion. - Lecture: Explore the role of emotions in free verse and the use of vivid imagery. - Discussion: Share and discuss individual poems, highlighting emotional impact.
Day 3: Understanding Acrostic Poetry - Activity: Analyze acrostic poems for clever wordplay. - Lecture: Explain the concept of acrostic poetry and its various forms. - Discussion: Share examples of creative acrostic poems.
Day 4: Writing Exercise - Personal Acrostic - Activity: Craft an acrostic poem using your name or a chosen word. - Assignment: Write an acrostic poem exploring a theme or concept. - Vocabulary Words: Strophe, Stanza, Consonance.
Day 5: Peer Review and Feedback - Activity: Peer review workshop for acrostic poems. - Lecture: Discuss the playfulness and creativity of acrostic poetry. - Discussion: Share insights gained from reviewing peers' acrostic poems.
Study Guide Questions for Week 4: 1. Explore the role of emotions in free verse poetry. How does it differ from structured forms? 2. Discuss the impact of vivid imagery in free verse. How does it contribute to the overall message? 3. What defines acrostic poetry, and how is it different from other forms? 4. How can clever wordplay enhance the impact of an acrostic poem? 5. Reflect on the creative process and thematic exploration in your acrostic poem.
Quiz: Assessment on understanding free verse, emotional expression in poetry, and the principles of acrostic poetry.
submitted by adulting4kids to writingthruit [link] [comments]

2024.05.13 14:44 adulting4kids Poetry Class Week Seven

Week 7: Limericks and Acrostic Poetry - Lecture and Discussion
Objective: - Explore the whimsical nature of limericks and the creative use of acrostic poetry. - Understand the structure and humor in limericks. - Discuss the artistic possibilities of using acrostic forms.
Day 1: Introduction to Limericks - Lecture: - Definition and characteristics of limericks. - Explanation of the AABBA rhyme scheme and humorous themes.
Day 2: Analyzing Limericks - Part 1 - Lecture: - In-depth analysis of classic limericks. - Exploration of the distinctive rhythm and structure.
Day 3: Analyzing Limericks - Part 2 - Lecture: - Discussing modern variations and themes in limericks. - Exploring the versatility of the form.
Day 4: Crafting Limericks - Part 1 - Lecture: - Step-by-step guide on crafting the first three lines of a limerick. - Emphasis on establishing humor and rhythm.
Day 5: Crafting Limericks - Part 2 - Lecture: - Step-by-step guide on crafting the final two lines of a limerick. - Emphasis on creating resolution and punchline.
Homework Assignment: - Craft a limerick focusing on a humorous scenario or theme.
Study Guide Questions: 1. Reflect on the challenges of crafting the first three lines of your limerick. How did you establish humor and rhythm? 2. How did you approach creating resolution and a punchline in the final two lines of your limerick? 3. What insights did you gain from the process of crafting a limerick?
Quiz: Assessment on the understanding of limericks, their AABBA rhyme scheme, and the use of humor within the concise form.
Day 6: Introduction to Acrostic Poetry - Lecture: - Definition and characteristics of acrostic poetry. - Exploration of arranging words vertically to create hidden messages.
Day 7: Analyzing Acrostic Poetry - Part 1 - Lecture: - In-depth analysis of classic acrostic poems. - Exploration of the different approaches to selecting and arranging words.
Day 8: Analyzing Acrostic Poetry - Part 2 - Lecture: - Discussing modern variations and themes in acrostic poetry. - Exploring the diverse ways poets engage with vertical arrangements.
submitted by adulting4kids to writingthruit [link] [comments]

2024.05.13 14:19 adulting4kids Poetry

  1. Sonnet:
  1. Haiku:
  1. Villanelle:
  1. Limerick:
  1. Free Verse:
  1. Acrostic:
  1. Ghazal:
  1. Tanka:
  1. *Cinquain:
  1. Pantoum:
- *Definition:* A poem with repeating lines and a specific pattern, often used for reflection. - *Example:* Craft a pantoum exploring the cyclical nature of life and change.
submitted by adulting4kids to writingthruit [link] [comments]

2024.05.12 01:17 ResponsibilitySad331 A Victim of Online Fiction - Ch15: Bad ties

Have you ever jumped into cold water on a hot day? Have you ever ridden an asteroid across the surface of the sun? Have you ever done a backflip off the moon and landed in a bucket of water in Vatican City? If so, then you’ve experienced one-tenth of what I experienced the moment I took that pill.
My headache disappeared, my heart started pumping, adrenaline and pure energy flowed through my veins instead of blood. My fingers twitched and my mind moved at three times the speed of light.
I fell back on my chair, flew towards my desk and danced my fingers like I was playing the keyboard. Chapters fell before me like grass in front of a chainsaw.
I cranked out TEN chapters in three hours. And that’s not just writing them either that’s editing them multiple times, adding extra hyperboles, and making the first 31 sentences and the title into acrostic poems that read: Alex has shit ties.
It was heavenly.
After dusting off my 11th chapter I stood, did a couple of yoga poses and then took off out of my front door for a run.
Now, everyone has a weakness, Superman’s got his kryptonite, Achilles has his heel, I have physical exercise. Usually, the thought of going for a run would make me want to chop my legs off. But those crazy little pills made the sad-sad go away. I was flying past houses, high-fiving bushes and waving to people as I roamed the streets like an exercise junkie.
My god-like strides took me through the suburbs of The Village through to the centre of town where Sherlock-Holmes themed coffee shops and Wuxia-themed teahouses dominated the streets. Writers sat in booths talking and hacking away at tablets and laptops, while cover artists drew mythical figures in between shots of espresso.
There was a hard-working bustle about the place. Little box-like robots wheeled their way out from a boutique distribution centre to people’s homes carrying boxes of wine, cheese, and steaming meals.
I slowed my run and sat back on a bench beside a rose bush. Birds were chirping and there was a hum of music from the cafes. It was heaven.
That night Manuel was back at my house and we walked three blocks over to a giant log cabin and another party. The next morning I took a pill, busted out eight chapters and went for another run. As the weeks flew by I attended more parties than I’d ever been to in my life, smashed out over a hundred chapters and grew dark rings around my eyes.
And then one day I met her.
****
This time we’d been invited to a pool party in the early evening. Manuel was sucking up to a bunch of new authors, and I was drinking beer with a bunch of horror writers while watching two guys beside the pool punching each other in the face over the use of Oxford commas. I didn’t know who was in the right – the guy whose eye was bruised, red, and puffy – or the guy with a swollen, red lump on his forehead.
Turns out, it didn’t really matter because they both paused mid-swing to stare at someone behind me.
In walked a woman in a white turtleneck, and large round glasses. Four other writers dressed in full tweed suits flanked her. Heads turned. Famous web fiction writers who I hadn’t worked up the courage to talk to were whispering to each other and pointing to the woman in white.
The horror writers next to me were trying to look disinterested but I could see them peering at her out of the corner of their eyes.
‘Hey Stephen,’ I poked a tall guy in the arm, ‘who’s that?’
Stephen laughed, ‘Good one man.’
‘I’m being serious dude, why’s everyone staring?’
Stephen hissed his next sentence like he was embarrassed others would hear, ‘Man. That’s the emperor of this place – the most read author in the whole of Crusher Media, that’s...’
‘...Lazy Cultivator? The guy that writes the chicken story.’
Stephen nodded, ‘Only – she’s not a guy.’
‘I guess I should say hi,’ I got out of my seat just as Stephen put his arm up to form a barrier.
‘Dude!’ He said, 'You, me, all of us,’ he gestured around the circle of horror writers, ‘We’re dirt.’ A couple of the guys clinked their beers and took a swig. Stephen pressed a finger into my chest, ‘We don’t talk to people like her. We don’t even look at her. This place has a hierarchy and man, you are the mud that hierarchy sits on.
I swallowed, ‘Good to know I’m appreciated then.’
Stephen shrugged, ‘Just letting you know the way things are dude.’
The tweed-wearers and their leader moved through the party like blue whales through a school of shrimp. A group of romance writers cleared out of their chairs beside the pool and the gang sat down and produced bottles of champagne from a wine cooler. The woman in white pulled a pair of VR glasses, a wireless keyboard, and a purple pill bottle from her bag, then she slipped a pill between her teeth, pulled the VR glasses over her face and started hacking away at the keyboard so rapidly she broke off one of the keys.
I swallowed, ‘She doesn’t come to parties often?’
Stephen shook his head, ‘not the sort of parties the rest of us get invited to. But... I’ve heard stories.’
I nodded slowly, my forehead was beginning to hurt the way it always did when the orange pills wore off. I took the orange pill container out of my pocket and shook it. There was no comforting tap of pills on the side.
I spun the lid open. It was empty.
My hands started to sweat. I got up, knocking over Stephen’s beer. He yelled at me, but I just waved an apology. I made a beeline straight for Manuel who was chatting to a bunch of fresh writers.
‘Hey, Eli,’ he said, wrapping an arm around me, ‘You guys heard of ElitheHill?’
A couple of the new writers grinned, one guy stuck out his hand, but my headache was getting worse with every second.
‘Manuel,’ I hissed, ‘I need some pills man.’
Manuel raised an eyebrow, ‘What?’
‘I need them now, my head...’ I stopped and rubbed one of my eyes, ‘I need the orange pills man.’
Manuel nodded, ‘Yeah, I’ll get you some man – in the morning.’ he wrapped his arm around me, ‘Come on man, be cool, have a beer.’
I shook my head frantically, my hands trembled, ‘I need them now Manuel. Come on. You’ve got to have at least a pack on you.’
Manuel stared at me, his eyes suddenly seemed much colder, ‘Yeah. I got some, but they’re two thousand reads.’
‘Two thousand?’ I bit my lip, ‘Man, they were five hundred two days ago.’
He shrugged and pulled the orange container from his pocket ‘You want em? Or not?’
My hands were a pool of sweat, my head thumped like a drum and bass concert and my right eye was twitching.
‘Yeah,’ I snatched them from his hand, ‘I’ll get Alex to transfer to you tomorrow.’
Manuel nodded, ‘Now get lost,’ his smile returned as he looked to the young writers, ‘You’re scaring off the new kids!’
The others laughed.
I fumbled with the pill bottle and Manuel gave me a kick, ‘Man! Get out of here.’ His eyes were hard again.
I stumbled my way over to the toilet, kicked the door open and slammed it behind me. My hands shook as I twisted open the capsule. The toilet smelt like vomit. The lid gave a click, popped open and I shook two pills into my hand. I usually took one, but I felt like I deserved the extra hit after everything I’d been through. I shoved them in my mouth, threw my head back, and swallowed.
A moment later I had electricity flowing through my veins and lightning in my brain. When I kicked the door of the toilet open it was like the world was in 8k resolution. Colours and lights were sharper and more beautiful. Beethoven’s fifth symphony was playing, someone passed me who smelt of elderflower and sweet wine. I breathed in and started dancing.
****
My call with Alex the next day began with me reciting a poem about his ties that I made up on the spot. He was wearing a beetroot red tie and by the third verse, his face had gone the same colour. It took him a few minutes to calm down, but when he finally did he ended up being quite pleased.
‘I see you’ve been producing a lot of chapters Mr Hill, you’re also pulling in a lot of readers. My suggestion is that you should start stockpiling them, rather than just posting them as you finish, that way when you hit another of your dry spells, you’ll have a buffer to get your shit sorted.’
I grinned and pulled the orange pills from my jacket pocket, ‘I’m not going to have another slump.’ I tossed the pill bottle up and caught it behind my back without looking, ‘Alex, I have discovered the key to literary immortality.’
Alex’s smile wavered for a moment, then with an effort of brute force he manage to affix it back to his face.
‘I’m glad Mr Hill.’ he went silent for a moment, ‘Just be careful okay... with those chapters I mean... we don’t want you to get burnt out with nothing left in the can.’
I shrugged, shook the pill bottle again, ‘Don’t worry about me buddy – just keep transferring Manuel that money. Okay?’
Alex nodded and ended the call.
NEXT: https://www.reddit.com/HFY/comments/1ct3lp6/a_victim_of_online_fiction_ch16_the_call_of_the/
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2024.05.11 14:29 adulting4kids Week One Poetry

Week 1: Introduction to Poetry and Sonnets
Day 1: Overview of Poetry Styles - Activity: Icebreaker - Introduce yourself through a poetic name acrostic. - Lecture: Brief history of poetry, introduction to various styles. - Discussion: What draws you to poetry? Share your favorite poems.
Day 2: Understanding Sonnets - Activity: Analyze a classic sonnet together. - Lecture: Explanation of sonnet structure (Shakespearean and Petrarchan). - Discussion: Share initial impressions and feelings about sonnets.
Day 3: Writing Exercise - Crafting a Sonnet - Activity: Break down sonnet structure with examples. - Assignment: Write a sonnet exploring a personal experience or emotion. - Vocabulary Words: Quatrain, Couplet, Volta.
Day 4: Peer Review and Feedback - Activity: Peer review workshop for sonnets. - Lecture: Discuss common challenges and strategies in sonnet writing. - Discussion: Share insights gained from reviewing peers' work.
Day 5: Recap and Reflection - Activity: Reflect on the week's lessons and exercises. - Lecture: Overview of upcoming weeks. - Assignment: Write a short reflection on what you've learned about poetry and sonnets.
Study Guide Questions for Week 1: 1. What is the basic structure of a sonnet? 2. Compare and contrast Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnets. 3. How does the volta contribute to the meaning of a sonnet? 4. Discuss the role of rhyme and meter in sonnets. 5. Explore your personal connection to poetry. What emotions or themes resonate with you?
Quiz: A short quiz assessing understanding of sonnet structure, key terms, and the historical context of poetry.
Week 2: Embracing Haiku and Villanelle
Day 1: Understanding Haiku - Activity: Analyze classic haikus. - Lecture: Explain the traditional structure and themes of haikus. - Discussion: Share thoughts on the simplicity and depth of haikus.
Day 2: Crafting Haikus - Activity: Write haikus individually. - Lecture: Discuss the significance of nature in haikus. - Discussion: Share and discuss individual haikus.
Day 3: Unraveling the Villanelle - Activity: Analyze a famous villanelle. - Lecture: Explore the structure and repetition in villanelles. - Discussion: Discuss the impact of repeated lines on the overall theme.
Day 4: Writing Exercise - Composing a Villanelle - Activity: Break down the process of crafting a villanelle. - Assignment: Write a villanelle on the theme of memory or loss. - Vocabulary Words: Tercet, Refrain, Envoi.
Day 5: Peer Review and Feedback - Activity: Peer review workshop for villanelles. - Lecture: Discuss the challenges and beauty of crafting repetitive forms. - Discussion: Share insights gained from reviewing peers' villanelles.
Study Guide Questions for Week 2: 1. What defines a haiku? Discuss its structure and thematic elements. 2. Explore the cultural significance of nature in haikus. 3. What is the structure of a villanelle, and how does repetition contribute to its impact? 4. Discuss the emotions evoked by repeated lines in a villanelle. 5. Reflect on the process of crafting a villanelle. What challenges did you face?
Quiz: Assessment on the understanding of haikus, villanelles, and the effective use of repetition in poetry.
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2024.05.10 14:51 adulting4kids Holiday Poetry

  1. Haiku for Hanukkah:
    • Craft a series of haikus capturing the essence of Hanukkah, focusing on the symbolism of light, the menorah, and the joy of shared traditions.
  2. Sonnet of Diwali Delights:
    • Write a sonnet that explores the colors, lights, and festivities of Diwali, incorporating themes of triumph over darkness and the spirit of renewal.
  3. Kwanzaa Villanelle:
    • Create a villanelle that reflects on the seven principles of Kwanzaa, exploring the repeated refrains to convey a sense of unity, purpose, and cultural celebration.
  4. Las Posadas Limericks:
    • Compose a set of limericks capturing the humorous and heartwarming moments of Las Posadas, focusing on the characters and the reenactment of the journey to Bethlehem.
  5. St. Lucia's Day Free Verse:
    • Write a free verse poem that explores the sensory experience of St. Lucia's Day, using vivid imagery to convey the sights, sounds, and emotions of the candlelit processions.
  6. Winter Solstice Cinquains:
    • Create a series of cinquains that capture the anticipation, stillness, and eventual rebirth associated with the Winter Solstice.
  7. Chinese New Year Acrostic:
    • Compose an acrostic poem using the words "Chinese New Year," incorporating each letter to convey the energy, symbolism, and cultural richness of the celebration.
  8. Ganna Elegy:
    • Write an elegy that reflects on the Ethiopian Christmas (Ganna), exploring themes of faith, tradition, and the emotional resonance of the holiday.
  9. Oshogatsu Haiga:
    • Combine haiku with visual elements in a haiga to capture the serene beauty and cultural significance of Oshogatsu, incorporating traditional New Year imagery.
  10. Global Celebrations Ghazal:
    • Craft a ghazal that weaves together the diverse elements of global holiday celebrations, exploring the shared threads of joy, love, and cultural exchange.
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2024.05.08 14:28 adulting4kids Poetry Syllabus

Course Title: Exploring the Panorama of Poetry
Course Description: This course delves into the rich tapestry of poetic forms, guiding students through the exploration and creation of fifty distinct styles of poetry. From classic sonnets to innovative forms like golden shovel and palindrome poetry, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of poetic expression, learning the nuances of each style and honing their creative skills.
Week 1-2: Introduction to Poetry and Sonnets - Overview of poetry styles - In-depth study of sonnets - Writing Exercise: Crafting a sonnet on personal experiences
Week 3-4: Embracing Haiku and Villanelle - Understanding the elegance of haiku - Exploring the repetitive beauty of villanelles - Writing Exercise: Composing haikus inspired by nature
Week 5-6: Limericks and the Art of Humor - Decoding the humor in limericks - Crafting limericks with wit and wordplay - Writing Exercise: Creating humorous limericks on everyday topics
Week 7-8: Free Verse and Acrostic Poetry - Liberating creativity through free verse - Playing with words in acrostic poems - Writing Exercise: Expressing emotions through free verse
Week 9-10: Ghazal and Tanka Mastery - Unveiling the beauty of ghazals - Crafting tankas with precision - Writing Exercise: Creating a ghazal on themes of love and longing
Week 11-12: Cinquains and Pantoum Prowess - Perfecting the art of cinquains - Embracing the rhythmic challenges of pantoums - Writing Exercise: Developing a pantoum on personal growth
Week 13-14: Sestina and Rondeau Exploration - Mastering the intricacies of sestinas - Crafting rondeaus with musicality - Writing Exercise: Composing a sestina on the theme of time
Week 15-16: Triolets and Kyrielles - Understanding the charm of triolets - Embracing the structure of kyrielles - Writing Exercise: Crafting a triolet on the beauty of simplicity
Week 17-18: Ode to Joyful Ballads - Writing joyful odes - Crafting narrative ballads - Writing Exercise: Creating an ode celebrating personal achievements
Week 19-20: Epic Journeys and Blank Verse - Exploring epic storytelling - Mastering the art of blank verse - Writing Exercise: Composing a blank verse poem reflecting on personal reflections
Week 21-22: Petrarchan Musings and Terza Rima Mastery - Delving into Petrarchan sonnets - Crafting poems using terza rima - Writing Exercise: Writing a Petrarchan sonnet on conflicting emotions
Week 23-24: Renga Collaboration and Prose Poetry - Collaborative renga creation - Experimenting with prose poetry - Writing Exercise: Crafting a prose poem inspired by a vivid memory
Week 25-26: Concrete Poetry and Narrative Art - Creating visual impact with concrete poetry - Mastering the art of narrative poetry - Writing Exercise: Developing a narrative poem based on personal experiences
Week 27-28: Pastoral Elegies and Morning Aubades - Writing pastoral poetry - Crafting mournful elegies - Writing Exercise: Composing an aubade capturing the essence of dawn
Week 29-30: Ekphrastic Marvels and Found Poetry Adventures - Creating poetry inspired by art - Crafting poems through found materials - Writing Exercise: Developing an ekphrastic poem based on a chosen artwork
Week 31-32: Epigrams and Clerihew Laughter - Crafting witty epigrams - Writing humorous clerihews - Writing Exercise: Composing a clerihew about a contemporary figure
Week 33-34: Quatrains and Double Dactyl Delight - Mastering the art of quatrains - Crafting light-hearted double dactyls - Writing Exercise: Creating a quatrain reflecting on the beauty of simplicity
Week 35-36: Terzanelles and Haibun Adventures - Crafting terzanelles with precision - Exploring the combination of prose and haiku in haibun - Writing Exercise: Composing a haibun narrating a meaningful travel experience
Week 37-38: Golden Shovel Challenges and Villancico Celebrations - Creating poems using the golden shovel technique - Crafting festive villancicos - Writing Exercise: Developing a golden shovel poem using a line from a favorite poem
Week 39-40: Tercet Beauty and Sevenling Narratives - Embracing the charm of tercets - Crafting sevenlings with narrative flair - Writing Exercise: Composing a sevenling reflecting on a vivid childhood memory
Week 41-42: Palindrome Reflections and Parallelismus Membrorum Insights - Creating palindrome poetry - Crafting poems using parallelismus membrorum - Writing Exercise: Developing a palindrome poem exploring balance in life
Week 43-44: Rubaiyat Contemplations and Blues Poem Expressions - Exploring Persian poetry with rubaiyats - Crafting poems inspired by the blues - Writing Exercise: Composing a rubaiyat on themes of love or mortality
Week 45-46: Erasure Transformations and Anaphora Intensity - Crafting poetry through erasure - Mastering the use of anaphora - Writing Exercise: Creating an erasure poem using a page from a novel or newspaper
Week 47-48: Tetractys and Sijo Harmonies - Crafting tetractys with specific syllable counts - Exploring traditional Korean poetry with sijo - Writing Exercise: Developing a sijo capturing a moment of beauty or introspection
Week 49-50: Blitz Poem Exploration and Epitaph Conclusions - Crafting blitz poems with rapid expression - Writing poignant epitaphs - Final Project: Compose an original poem using a style of the student's choice, reflecting personal growth throughout the course.
Assessment: - Weekly writing exercises - Participation in collaborative projects - Midterm and final projects showcasing mastery of chosen styles
Materials: - Poetry anthologies - Artworks for ekphrastic exercises - Writing journals - Selected readings for each style
Prerequisites: None. Open to all students with an interest in poetry and creative expression.
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2024.05.08 09:55 adulting4kids Types of Poems

  1. Sonnet:
    A 14-line poem, traditionally written in iambic pentameter, with various rhyme schemes such as Shakespearean (ABABCDCDEFEFGG).
  2. Haiku:
A three-line Japanese poem with a 5-7-5 syllable count, typically capturing a moment in nature.
  1. Free Verse:
    Poetry without a fixed rhyme or meter, allowing for greater freedom and natural flow of expression.
  2. Villanelle
: A 19-line poem with a specific structure, containing five tercets followed by a concluding quatrain, using only two rhymes.
  1. Acrostic:
    A poem where the first letter of each line, when read vertically, spells out a word or message.
  2. Limerick
: A humorous five-line poem with a specific meter and rhyme scheme (AABBA).
  1. Ghazal:
A form of poetry with rhyming couplets and a repeating refrain, often exploring themes of love and loss.
  1. Tanka
: A Japanese form of poetry with a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable count structure, focusing on nature and emotions.
  1. Sestina:
    A complex poem with six stanzas of six lines each, ending with a three-line envoi; the same six words end the lines in a shifting pattern.
  2. Cinquain
: A five-line poem with a specific syllable count for each line (2-4-6-8-2), often used to capture a moment or emotion.
  1. Rondeau:
    A 13-line poem with a rhyme scheme and repetition of specific words, often emphasizing themes of love.
  2. Pantoum
: A form of poetry with repeating lines, where the second and fourth lines of each stanza become the first and third lines of the next.
  1. Ode:
A lyrical poem expressing strong emotions or deep feelings, often addressed to a particular person or thing.
  1. Elegy:
    A mournful poem, typically written in remembrance of someone who has passed away.
  2. Ekphrastic
: A poem inspired by a work of art, often describing or reflecting on the visual piece.
  1. Concrete Poetry:
    Poems where the arrangement of words on the page forms a visual representation of the subject.
  2. Prose Poetry
: A hybrid of prose and poetry, characterized by its free-flowing structure and poetic language within prose form.
  1. Epigram:
A short, witty, and often satirical poem or statement, typically with a clever or humorous ending.
  1. Quatrain
: A four-line stanza or poem with various rhyme schemes, commonly used in ballads and hymns.
  1. Epitaph
: A short poem or inscription on a tombstone in memory of the deceased.
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2024.05.07 14:29 adulting4kids Poetry Course Week Three and Four

Week 3: Limericks and the Art of Humor
Day 1: Decoding Limericks - Activity: Analyze classic limericks for rhythm and humor. - Lecture: Discuss the AABBA rhyme scheme and distinctive rhythm. - Discussion: Share favorite humorous poems and discuss elements that make them funny.
Day 2: Crafting Limericks with Wit - Activity: Write limericks individually, focusing on humor and rhythm. - Lecture: Explore the balance of humor and structure in limericks. - Discussion: Share and discuss individual limericks, highlighting successful elements.
Day 3: Understanding Free Verse - Activity: Analyze free verse poems for structure and expression. - Lecture: Introduce the concept of free verse and its flexibility. - Discussion: Discuss the liberation and challenges of writing without a strict structure.
Day 4: Writing Exercise - Expressing Emotions in Free Verse - Activity: Explore emotions and write a free verse poem. - Assignment: Craft a free verse poem exploring a personal experience or emotion. - Vocabulary Words: Enjambment, Cadence, Anapest.
Day 5: Peer Review and Feedback - Activity: Peer review workshop for free verse poems. - Lecture: Discuss the artistic freedom and impact of free verse. - Discussion: Share insights gained from reviewing peers' free verse poems.
Study Guide Questions for Week 3: 1. What defines a limerick, and how does its rhythm contribute to its humor? 2. Discuss the importance of the AABBA rhyme scheme in limericks. 3. How does free verse differ from structured forms of poetry? 4. Explore the challenges and benefits of writing without a strict form in free verse. 5. Reflect on the emotions and experiences expressed in your free verse poem.
Quiz: Assessment on limericks, the AABBA rhyme scheme, and the principles of free verse.
Week 4: Free Verse and Acrostic Poetry
Day 1: Embracing Free Verse - Activity: Analyze diverse free verse poems for individual expression. - Lecture: Discuss famous free verse poets and their impact on the genre. - Discussion: Share personal reactions to the artistic freedom of free verse.
Day 2: Crafting Emotion in Free Verse - Activity: Write a free verse poem expressing a specific emotion. - Lecture: Explore the role of emotions in free verse and the use of vivid imagery. - Discussion: Share and discuss individual poems, highlighting emotional impact.
Day 3: Understanding Acrostic Poetry - Activity: Analyze acrostic poems for clever wordplay. - Lecture: Explain the concept of acrostic poetry and its various forms. - Discussion: Share examples of creative acrostic poems.
Day 4: Writing Exercise - Personal Acrostic - Activity: Craft an acrostic poem using your name or a chosen word. - Assignment: Write an acrostic poem exploring a theme or concept. - Vocabulary Words: Strophe, Stanza, Consonance.
Day 5: Peer Review and Feedback - Activity: Peer review workshop for acrostic poems. - Lecture: Discuss the playfulness and creativity of acrostic poetry. - Discussion: Share insights gained from reviewing peers' acrostic poems.
Study Guide Questions for Week 4: 1. Explore the role of emotions in free verse poetry. How does it differ from structured forms? 2. Discuss the impact of vivid imagery in free verse. How does it contribute to the overall message? 3. What defines acrostic poetry, and how is it different from other forms? 4. How can clever wordplay enhance the impact of an acrostic poem? 5. Reflect on the creative process and thematic exploration in your acrostic poem.
Quiz: Assessment on understanding free verse, emotional expression in poetry, and the principles of acrostic poetry.
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2024.05.06 14:44 adulting4kids Poetry Class Week Seven

Week 7: Limericks and Acrostic Poetry - Lecture and Discussion
Objective: - Explore the whimsical nature of limericks and the creative use of acrostic poetry. - Understand the structure and humor in limericks. - Discuss the artistic possibilities of using acrostic forms.
Day 1: Introduction to Limericks - Lecture: - Definition and characteristics of limericks. - Explanation of the AABBA rhyme scheme and humorous themes.
Day 2: Analyzing Limericks - Part 1 - Lecture: - In-depth analysis of classic limericks. - Exploration of the distinctive rhythm and structure.
Day 3: Analyzing Limericks - Part 2 - Lecture: - Discussing modern variations and themes in limericks. - Exploring the versatility of the form.
Day 4: Crafting Limericks - Part 1 - Lecture: - Step-by-step guide on crafting the first three lines of a limerick. - Emphasis on establishing humor and rhythm.
Day 5: Crafting Limericks - Part 2 - Lecture: - Step-by-step guide on crafting the final two lines of a limerick. - Emphasis on creating resolution and punchline.
Homework Assignment: - Craft a limerick focusing on a humorous scenario or theme.
Study Guide Questions: 1. Reflect on the challenges of crafting the first three lines of your limerick. How did you establish humor and rhythm? 2. How did you approach creating resolution and a punchline in the final two lines of your limerick? 3. What insights did you gain from the process of crafting a limerick?
Quiz: Assessment on the understanding of limericks, their AABBA rhyme scheme, and the use of humor within the concise form.
Day 6: Introduction to Acrostic Poetry - Lecture: - Definition and characteristics of acrostic poetry. - Exploration of arranging words vertically to create hidden messages.
Day 7: Analyzing Acrostic Poetry - Part 1 - Lecture: - In-depth analysis of classic acrostic poems. - Exploration of the different approaches to selecting and arranging words.
Day 8: Analyzing Acrostic Poetry - Part 2 - Lecture: - Discussing modern variations and themes in acrostic poetry. - Exploring the diverse ways poets engage with vertical arrangements.
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2024.05.06 14:19 adulting4kids Poetry

  1. Sonnet:
  1. Haiku:
  1. Villanelle:
  1. Limerick:
  1. Free Verse:
  1. Acrostic:
  1. Ghazal:
  1. Tanka:
  1. *Cinquain:
  1. Pantoum:
- *Definition:* A poem with repeating lines and a specific pattern, often used for reflection. - *Example:* Craft a pantoum exploring the cyclical nature of life and change.
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2024.05.04 14:29 adulting4kids Week One Poetry

Week 1: Introduction to Poetry and Sonnets
Day 1: Overview of Poetry Styles - Activity: Icebreaker - Introduce yourself through a poetic name acrostic. - Lecture: Brief history of poetry, introduction to various styles. - Discussion: What draws you to poetry? Share your favorite poems.
Day 2: Understanding Sonnets - Activity: Analyze a classic sonnet together. - Lecture: Explanation of sonnet structure (Shakespearean and Petrarchan). - Discussion: Share initial impressions and feelings about sonnets.
Day 3: Writing Exercise - Crafting a Sonnet - Activity: Break down sonnet structure with examples. - Assignment: Write a sonnet exploring a personal experience or emotion. - Vocabulary Words: Quatrain, Couplet, Volta.
Day 4: Peer Review and Feedback - Activity: Peer review workshop for sonnets. - Lecture: Discuss common challenges and strategies in sonnet writing. - Discussion: Share insights gained from reviewing peers' work.
Day 5: Recap and Reflection - Activity: Reflect on the week's lessons and exercises. - Lecture: Overview of upcoming weeks. - Assignment: Write a short reflection on what you've learned about poetry and sonnets.
Study Guide Questions for Week 1: 1. What is the basic structure of a sonnet? 2. Compare and contrast Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnets. 3. How does the volta contribute to the meaning of a sonnet? 4. Discuss the role of rhyme and meter in sonnets. 5. Explore your personal connection to poetry. What emotions or themes resonate with you?
Quiz: A short quiz assessing understanding of sonnet structure, key terms, and the historical context of poetry.
Week 2: Embracing Haiku and Villanelle
Day 1: Understanding Haiku - Activity: Analyze classic haikus. - Lecture: Explain the traditional structure and themes of haikus. - Discussion: Share thoughts on the simplicity and depth of haikus.
Day 2: Crafting Haikus - Activity: Write haikus individually. - Lecture: Discuss the significance of nature in haikus. - Discussion: Share and discuss individual haikus.
Day 3: Unraveling the Villanelle - Activity: Analyze a famous villanelle. - Lecture: Explore the structure and repetition in villanelles. - Discussion: Discuss the impact of repeated lines on the overall theme.
Day 4: Writing Exercise - Composing a Villanelle - Activity: Break down the process of crafting a villanelle. - Assignment: Write a villanelle on the theme of memory or loss. - Vocabulary Words: Tercet, Refrain, Envoi.
Day 5: Peer Review and Feedback - Activity: Peer review workshop for villanelles. - Lecture: Discuss the challenges and beauty of crafting repetitive forms. - Discussion: Share insights gained from reviewing peers' villanelles.
Study Guide Questions for Week 2: 1. What defines a haiku? Discuss its structure and thematic elements. 2. Explore the cultural significance of nature in haikus. 3. What is the structure of a villanelle, and how does repetition contribute to its impact? 4. Discuss the emotions evoked by repeated lines in a villanelle. 5. Reflect on the process of crafting a villanelle. What challenges did you face?
Quiz: Assessment on the understanding of haikus, villanelles, and the effective use of repetition in poetry.
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2024.05.03 14:51 adulting4kids Holiday Poetry

  1. Haiku for Hanukkah:
    • Craft a series of haikus capturing the essence of Hanukkah, focusing on the symbolism of light, the menorah, and the joy of shared traditions.
  2. Sonnet of Diwali Delights:
    • Write a sonnet that explores the colors, lights, and festivities of Diwali, incorporating themes of triumph over darkness and the spirit of renewal.
  3. Kwanzaa Villanelle:
    • Create a villanelle that reflects on the seven principles of Kwanzaa, exploring the repeated refrains to convey a sense of unity, purpose, and cultural celebration.
  4. Las Posadas Limericks:
    • Compose a set of limericks capturing the humorous and heartwarming moments of Las Posadas, focusing on the characters and the reenactment of the journey to Bethlehem.
  5. St. Lucia's Day Free Verse:
    • Write a free verse poem that explores the sensory experience of St. Lucia's Day, using vivid imagery to convey the sights, sounds, and emotions of the candlelit processions.
  6. Winter Solstice Cinquains:
    • Create a series of cinquains that capture the anticipation, stillness, and eventual rebirth associated with the Winter Solstice.
  7. Chinese New Year Acrostic:
    • Compose an acrostic poem using the words "Chinese New Year," incorporating each letter to convey the energy, symbolism, and cultural richness of the celebration.
  8. Ganna Elegy:
    • Write an elegy that reflects on the Ethiopian Christmas (Ganna), exploring themes of faith, tradition, and the emotional resonance of the holiday.
  9. Oshogatsu Haiga:
    • Combine haiku with visual elements in a haiga to capture the serene beauty and cultural significance of Oshogatsu, incorporating traditional New Year imagery.
  10. Global Celebrations Ghazal:
    • Craft a ghazal that weaves together the diverse elements of global holiday celebrations, exploring the shared threads of joy, love, and cultural exchange.
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2024.05.03 06:02 CringeyVal0451 The Prematurely Popping Butt-Blasting Hobbit (Married Mary, Part 8C)

Last time, Dennis showed up at my door in the middle of the night... DRUNK. Up to that point, he’d claimed to be a virtuous teetotaler, but something had apparently gone amiss. He staggered into my apartment, hurled tequila all over the place, and claimed to have pooped his pants. Neither seeing nor smelling evidence of dookie, I surmised that he was pretending to need clean underpants because he wanted to wear mine for some damn reason. And my lovesick, dong-struck, smitten AF ass was flattered.
The freshly showered, drunken little horned-up weasel finally stretched out on the couch, wearing a pair of my black boyshots. His semi-alert junk was pitching a tent, and the sack was hanging out of the small undergarment that wasn’t made to contain a male package. He kept slurring something about certain body parts being blue. I knew better. Mr. Butt-Blaster over there was in the Psych Research program, while I was in the MFT/Sex Therapy program, although we had to take a few of the same classes. Having some sex therapy training under my belt, I knew for sure that BBs are a MYTH. Genito-pelvic pain resulting from prolonged and unreleased arousal may feel subjectively painful to a small number of delusional horndogs (although self-report measures are notoriously unreliable). However... more often than not, manipulative horndogs use blue balls to coerce potential partners into pity bangs, pity tugs... pity what-have-yous. And I have receipts. Or as we say in academia... REFERENCES.
Me: Dude, that’s not a real condition. Plus, your... stuff’s hanging out of my underwear. Nothing’s blue. I’d feel better if you covered yourself with that blanket.
Dennis: It’s real, I swear! I’m in so much pain!
Me: Go yank it in the bathroom if it’s bothering you so much.
Dennis: But that’s a sin.
Me: Oh for fuck’s sake. I won’t tell Jesus.
Dennis: I need to call my friend first. We gotta paray. Pray.
Me: You need to sleep it off. You can paray in the morning.
I covered him up with the blanket as he continued to mumble about his private parts. I think I heard him apologize for being drunk, but I don’t know if he was talking to me or to Jesus. No matter. I got in bed and stared at the ceiling, both irate and elated that Dennis was on my couch. I didn’t sleep at all.
As the dawn crept through the curtains and provided a gentle golden glow in my little studio apartment, I heard The Golden God stir. Footsteps. I heard the bathroom door close. Water running. Toilet flushing. There was a bit more rustling around. And then I heard the door open. I watched through half-closed eyes as he tip-toed towards the door in clothes that still looked damp. He gingerly turned the deadbolt.
Me: Sneaking out?
Dennis jumped. “Uh. No. I didn’t want to wake you.”
Me: You really think I’d be able to sleep? I’ve been writing stories in my head all night. You’re in them...
Dennis. Sweet! Can I play myself in the movie version?
I glared at him, but I don’t think he could see my face clearly. His glasses were perched on top of his head.
Me: Anything you’d like to say to me?
Dennis: Honestly, babe. I don’t remember much. I think they goofed and put alcohol in my drink even though I ordered a virgin.
Me: Don’t call me babe.
Dennis. Oh. Okay. Sweetie, I really don’t remember last night.
Me: Do you remember the past MONTH? You asked me for a really revolting sexual favor, I declined, and you dropped off the face of the Earth. It really hurt my feelings. Am I nothing more to you than a butt to screw?
Dennis: Noooo! Babe! Uh. Sweetie... It was just an idea. I love you and I... (He said some more words, but that Delphic L-bomb was making the blood rush through my ears to the point where I couldn’t hear anything else he was saying.)
He was leaning down to kiss me when I floated back into my body. “What?”
Dennis: See you next week?
Me: Ummmm.. Yeah. Text me the details. I’m half-asleep and I’m not sure I’ll remember.
Dennis. I got you, babe.
Me: Hold up. Are you still wearing my underwear?
Dennis grinned. “Yep!”
I shook my head, laughing a little and feeling slightly flattered that he wanted to keep something of mine so close to himself. “Keep them. Consider them a reminder of the treacheries of tequila.”
He nodded, kissed my hand, and sauntered out the door. What the actual fuuuuu had just happened???
Girl Talk
The next evening, I met up with Lucy and two of her friends from a recent show, Pick-Me and Doormat. These three had bonded over a shared burning desire for a forever love. Out of the three, Lucy remained the most jaded and skeptical. After all, she could override her own desires and read people well enough to discern the possibility that Scooter (her crush) was a skin-fluter. Skin-flautist? He was GAY. He’d at least had the decency to come out to her when he picked up on her romantic feelings for him. But Scooter was still deep in the closet to the rest of the world, though.
Doormat: Lucy, what’s going on with Scoots??? You guys would make suuuuuch a cute couple.
Lucy: Yeah, that’s not happening. He’s got too much baggage from his ex-wife.
Pick-Me: Well, maybe you could find out what she did to run him off and do the exact opposite???
Lucy: Yeah, I don’t have the money for that...
(Lucy and I both laughed. Doormat and Pick-Me didn’t get the joke.)
Lucy: Okay, Val. These are my boy-crazy backstage gal pals. Present your case!
Me: The whole case? As in... butt stuff...
Lucy: No! Maybe no butt stuff with this crowd.
Pick-Me giggled. “Butt stuff? I can handle talking about that. What’s going on? Your guy wants to try anal?”
Lucy: Okayyyyy... Apparently they’re fine with it?
Me: Yeah. But that’s not even the worst of it. He disappears. And then he reappears acting like nothing was ever wrong. And he’s a religious fanatic when it’s convenient, but he’s never mentioned actually going to church. He doesn’t even wear a cross. And he lied about this summer camp...
Doormat: Girl, just give him the booty!!! That’s why he’s being shifty. He wants something taboo. Most guys need to feel like they’re bending the rules a bit.
Me: Yeah, but I don’t...
Pick-Me: Do you love this guy or not? At least try things his way.
(Yeah, that thought had unfortunately already occurred to me. And I’d dismissed it.)
Lucy: I don’t know. Ladies, we’ve gotta consider her personal limits. Then again, if you really think it’ll land you the love of your life, what’s 30 seconds of discomfort?
Pick-Me and Doormat giggled.
Me: It’s not always that quick....
Lucy: Okay, girl. But George Gay and I have already started scripting a sketch called “The Prematurely Popping Butt-Blasting Hobbit!” We’re doing it in a show at The Imp as soon as it’s ready! And I talk about him in my stand-up. He’d be good at border control ‘cause he’s a MINUTE MAN. A miniature Minute Man. He’s already a one-pump chump, and he seriously wants to put it in the donut instead of the eclair??? “Hey babe... Sorry I haven’t called. How about we... Uhhhh! Uhhhh. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Damn. I didn’t even get my pants off! But I at least I GOT MY ROCKS OFF.”
I tapped her on the head with my straw, secretly trying not to laugh. “RUDE! Please never let him hear that.”
Lucy: I promise you that no good Christian boy would ever come to an open mic night at The Raunch Room. Or a show at The Imp. That place has gotten vile. The other girl in our troupe up and quit, and the director replaced her with this fatass sex manic. She’s disgusting. She’s obsessed with George Straight and she won’t stop going on about how much she needs some Georgie Porgie sexy time... Because she’s got “blue lips.” And then she sits there in her micro-miniskirt with her fleshy hoo-hah hanging out, rambling on about all this freaky stuff she wants to do with this dude who’s like my freakin’ brother. I can’t stand it.
Me: Gross.
Pick-Me: Wait... Lucy, did you say Denny’s a good Christian boy? Val, you have to reel him in!!!
Me: That’s the problem... I’m not sure I believe him when he says he’s a Christian. George Gay thinks he’s using religion as an excuse to ask for weird stuff in the sack.
Doormat: I bet he’s totally a Christian. They make the best husbands. You do what you gotta do to lock this one down! And if you can’t give him exactly what he wants in bed, give him something close. He’s a man. You can’t blame him if he goes looking for it elsewhere.
(I felt my fists clenching. Pick-Me and Doormat were making my brain implode.)
Me: Or maybe I need to admit that I’m not right for him and walk away? I mean, that sounds impossible right now, but I think it’d be for the best in the grand scheme of things.
Pick-Me: Nooooo! As a woman, it’s your duty to make yourself into exactly what your man wants. It sounds old-fashioned, but old-fashioned WORKS. That’s why our grandparents never got divorced!
(Yeah, I’m not sure Grandpappy was running around trying to put in in Granny’s hiney.)
How (NOT TO) Prepare for a Date
My lovestruck brain convinced my lovestruck ass to prepare itself for the possibility of an invasion. Dennis had texted me that he was coming over on Saturday night around 8:00 PM, and that he wanted nothing more than conversation and respectful making out. But he also asked me to wear lingerie...
On Friday, I went to Victoria’s Secret and abused my credit card with a very pretty, very flattering halter teddy with Swarovski crystals adorning the plunging neckline. I’m pretty flat-chested, but I’m also short-waisted, so the plunge gives the illusion of length. Once I was all set for lingerie, I got my hair professionally done, extensions and all. Then I went to the dentist and had my teeth whitened with medical grade lasers. This plunged me even further into debt, and it hurt like hell. I was crying and shaking by the end of the procedure. And my teeth hadn’t been even slightly yellowed beforehand. But I wanted Hollywood-caliber blinding white teeth.
And then, feeling like I’d just been punched in the mouth, I went to the day spa to have every bit of body hair removed, save my eyebrows and eyelashes. Dennis despised body hair on women, even the vellus hair (peach fuzz) that tended to crop up when you’re a bit malnourished. So I had everything waxed. And when I emphasize the word “everything,” I’m not just talking about my crotch and my armpits. I’m talking about my forearms. My back. My cheeks. My toes. It was like he wanted a plastic doll. And I was more than willing to get as close to that as I possibly could.
And, listen. I know this was dumb AF. No matter how much I abused my credit card with flattering garments and beauty services and cosmetic dentistry, I’d never be “Hollywood Hot.” I was “regular person attractive with a former scene kid slant,” which basically meant that nerds, theatre weirdos, and recovering scene kids found me hot, normatively attractive dudes flirted with me often enough, gross guys gushed over me (although I still didn’t know how to describe or even identify a bona fide neckbeard... remember this was the 20-tweens), and image-conscious posers didn’t give me the time of day because I was a bit weird.
And I’d always been relatively fine with the way I looked until Dennis and his hot and cold whiplash got into my head. If only I were Hollywood Hot enough to serve as a trophy on his arm, maybe he’d consistently pay attention to me? BARF. And sure, I had considered that our personalities didn’t quite mesh. Even so, he kept calling (sporadically) and I kept answering (faithfully), so I decided to focus on something that I could pretend to have some semblance of control over... I could waste a shit-load of money on superficial crap that most straight guys probably wouldn’t even notice (but that might make me feel more confident in my own unnaturally hairless skin). Oh, and then there was the butt stuff...
On Saturday morning, I went to the Sal Paulo Center for Wellness and Healing and got my very first high colonic... just in case. I wish I had a disgusting story to share, but it actually wasn’t that big of a deal. My colon hydro-therapist was named Harmony, and she was able to put me at ease. I explained that I might try anal sex with my boy... with a guy I was dat... With this guy I’d been kinda seeing. So I wanted to be clean. Harmoney enthused, “Oh, that’ll be fun! But these are sooo good for you, even if you’re not planning on having visitors in there. A high colonic flushes out years and years of toxins that get trapped in the pockets of your large intestines.
This was complete BS, but Harmony was really sweet and she did a good job of keeping my mind off what was happening. Ultimately, it wasn’t painful (just a bit uncomfortable), and I did feel better and lighter and more energized when it was over. Probably no different than the way the average person would feel after taking a giant dump. Before I headed home, I popped by another salon for eyelash extensions, a mani/pedi, and a bottle of snake oil that was allegedly packed with pheromones. Well then... I suppose I was as prepared as I could be. Lightheaded and woozy from the emptying of my lower intestines, combined with the fact that I hadn’t eaten anything since Wednesday of that week, I made the long drive back to my apartment in Wellsprings and started tidying up.
As the 8:00 hour grew nearer, I wiggled into the halter teddy. I checked my hair and makeup. I changed my shoes three times. And I poured myself a small glass of Rosé to take the edge off. I gently brushed my insanely white (and incredibly sensitive) teeth and gargled with Listerine so that Dennis wouldn’t be able to smell booze on my breath... and to counteract any fasting-related halitosis that might have been present. The clock said 8:15, so I dimmed the lights, lounged on the couch, and waited.
He never showed.
Laugh at me. I’m not kidding. Please laugh. Or at least cringe. This was some of the dumbest BS I’ve ever done in an effort to please some dude. And then to get stood up... It felt like the end of the fucking world at the time, but it just seems pathetic when I look back on it. Although... to give my lovesick younger self some grace, it really was a pretty harsh blow to my little ego. I mean, at least call to cancel! Right?! Oh, that’s too much to ask from a spiritually confused young man? Okaaayyyyy... For whatever it’s worth, I wore the halter teddy for Axton a few years later and he seemed to really appreciate it. He also didn’t give a fuck about the peach fuzz on my forearms. M’kay, back to the story!
Stood Up? Stand-Up!
George and Lucy soon figured out what was going on, came over with hard liquor and a carton of Marlboro Lights, listened to me cry, shared some of their own stories of being sorely disappointed by men, and cracked me up with their “Prematuely Ejaculating Butt-Blasting Hobbit” sketch... which would eventually lead to me becoming a regular at The Imp. But, in the meantime, how did I cope with the crushing disappointment that seemed to permanently permeate my mind long after The Golden Weasel went completely radio silent... AGAIN?
Well, once we were in tech week for Cats, I barely had time to eat or sleep, let alone obsess over Dennis. And once the show opened, I took up smoking again, I dyed my hair purple, and I had a green finch, a linnet bird, a nightingale, and a blackbird tattooed on my ribs to commemorate my first leading role in a semi-professional production. It’s a very pretty and meaningful tat, and I’ve never regretted it. I loved having purple hair, although I eventually got tired of the upkeep. And I finally managed to quit smoking for good just last year. That may have been the hardest freakin’ thing I’ve ever done. But I’m a soprano again!!! In my world, that’s very, very important.
So... About halfway through the run of Cats, my phone rang at 2:00 AM. It was a number I didn’t recognize. 716 area code. Must have been a wrong number. I pressed Ignore and rolled over. The phone rang again. Same number. Again. Same number. Why the hell am I trying to create suspense??? I finally answered the butt-fucking weasel’s call.
Me: Who the fuck is this???
Dennis: Uhhh... Hey, babe. Good to talk to you, too!
Me (with as much venom as I could muster): YOU. I had written you off as a lost cause.
He laughed. “Nah, babe. I told you. I’m staying with my bro here in Buffalo. But I’m coming back to Cali in a few weeks. Whatcha... wearing?
Me: Dennis, it’s 2:00 AM...
Dennis: Ah. Darn it. It’s 11:00 here. Didn’t think about the time difference.
Me: Yeah, well. I have a matinee tomorrow. If you really wanna talk to me, call me tomorrow evening.
Dennis: Sa-sweet! What show ya doing?
Me: Cats. I told you that.
Dennis: Ew. Nobody likes that play anymore!
Me: I DO. Our audiences seem to.
Dennis: Hey, you wanna hear about the show that I just helped direct here in New York?
Me: Tomorrow.
I hung up on him and silenced my phone.
But he didn’t call the next evening. Midway through the following week, I tried to call the 716 number. No answer. I had fumed and stewed and cursed his name and gotten dangerously intoxicated and written about a hundred pages of scorned woman rage after he’d stood me up. But in time, I put my focus into rehearsals. I planned activities with my parents and my brothers since they were coming to Wellsprings to see Cats. I got back into burlesque. I enjoyed mocking “the weasel” with Darius during my voice lessons and I admitted that he’d been absolutely right about the intolerably arrogant character of the man I’d idealized. And while I wasn’t taking summer classes, I looked forward to the classes I’d be taking in the fall. Things had evened out, and I had pretty much gone back to being my perky, happy-go-lucky self.
And then Dennis rang again, claiming to be back in town. He claimed he was desperate to see me. I caved and agreed to meet him at his place. Things got spicy. And then he clutched his nuts, hung his head and begged me to whip him as he wept over his wicked sin of desire. NO. A little light BDSM (just for fun) between consenting adults isn’t shocking or off-putting to me. But this felt unhealthy.
Even students of psychology battle with mental health issues just as med students sometimes get physically ill. Dennis needed help. My best guess was that he needed some combination of psychological and spiritual counseling, but I’m not sure that an ideal hybrid exists. I tried to assure him that I was perfectly happy to avoid engaging in anything “intimate,” I offered to lend an ear, and I assured him that I didn’t think less of him because he had certain *ahem* fantasies. But he banished me, accusing me of being a wicked siren.
And my head was re-fucked after that bizarre encounter. So before long, due largely to my insistence on making things much, much weirder than they needed to be, things... got suuuuuper weird. Still dazed by Dennis’ bizarre behavior and ensuing radio silence, I decided to take drastic measures in an attempt to forget about The Golden God once and for all. That drastic measure was... Scumbanger. I’d rather not talk about that again. It’s embarrassing. Apologies to anyone who applies Rule 34 to Cats. No smut for you!
But fun random fact! Furries are NOT into Cats (the musical). They despise it. Mainly because the actors in Cats don’t wear fur suits (we wore elaborately decorated leotards and tights). And the actors in Cats have human faces (we were wearing heavy makeup, but you could still completely tell that we were people). There isn’t the anonymity that a “fursona” would allow. So, no. We didn’t have to deal with any furries yanking it in the audience or skulking around by the stage door.
Let’s pop back over to The Imp! Once Cats had opened, it was much, much easier to see the weeknight shows. The improvers were elated since George Gay’s rehearsal schedule (which was the same as mine) no longer forced them to rehearse during absurd hours. And once “The Prematurely Popping Butt-Fucking Hobbit” was ready to perform, I started seeing shows at The Imp on the regular.
It was tons of fun at first! Moe hadn’t disclosed to me that I was in his boom-boom crosshairs, so I thought he was just some eccentric old dude who made up bizarre stories using tarot cards as prompts. The fatass sex maniac that Lucy had told me about was terrible at improv. But holy crap... I laughed my ass off at her outfits, and at the fact that she often got onstage, plopped down with truckloads of grub, and proceeded to engage in what we’d now call a “mukbang” while the real comedians acted out a sketch. Was she ahead of her time???
Within the month, Cats wrapped up. Moe divulged his disgustingness and pitched a hissy fit because he was being rejected by an “older woman.” Even so, I continued to spend my Thursday nights at The Imp, careful to avoid Moe and determined to keep a safe distance from Mary. But the fall semester was upon us before I’d had enough time to completely get Dennis out of my system.
I’m embarrassed to admit that Moe had given me a “love banishing” spell that involved a candle, a pendulum, a few drops of my own blood, and myrrh oil. He’d passed on this “super chill Wiccan bro wisdom” before he revealed his romantic intentions, and he lorded his generosity of spirits and spells over me when I rejected his advances. Whatever. I still nicked my skin, mixed the blood with myrrh, smeared it on the crystal pendulum and let the it swing over the flame, allowing the ideomotor effect to “magically” push the pendulum clockwise or counterclockwise depending on what I wanted to hear. If I’m being brutally honest, it comforted me in those moments. And, no. The skin-nicking wasn't self... Are we allowed to use those words together? Let me put it another way. I didn't get any kicks from the nicks. I didn't even believe in spells. I just felt like I needed a ritual. I needed an illusion of control. It was utter foolishness, but I suppose I could have done worse things. I suppose I would do worse things in due time...
The Fall Semester (just before the events of Married Mary)
The golden weasel, prematurely popping butt-blasting hobbit, religious fanatic horndog, women’s underwear wearing weirdo... indeed resurfaced when our class schedules forced him to. We had Biological Psychology together, which didn’t exactly thrill me. That had been my favorite class as an undergrad, and I was psyched to experience the grad school version. I wasn’t about to let Dennis ruin it for me. So I vowed to keep my contact with him purely surface level. Even if that meant busting out Moe’s bullshit spell every week after class.
Of course, Dennis tried to yank me around a little more once the fall semester was in full swing. Though it was heartbreaking to keep him at arm’s length (and though I faltered many times), I realized that I simply liked him more than he liked me. And that was nobody’s fault. We met. We clicked. We low-key dated. We hooked up. And it all meant one thing to me and quite another thing to him. The longer things carried on and the more opaque the emotional connection became, the harder I tried and the harder I loved. Meanwhile, he slacked off and loved far more lightly (if indeed at all). My feelings waxed as his waned. Yes, he should have manned up and had a conversation about his waning feelings with me. That would have suuuuucked in the moment, but it would have saved me heaps of heartache in the long run.
The Diary...
Where did I go wrong with Dennis??? I think I went wrong right off the bat when I dreamt up my own version of him, fell madly in love with it, and then gave that pompous ass undue attention and too much forgiveness because he was the avatar of the dream guy I’d invented. It’s happened to me before. I think I’ve been in love with fictional characters (mostly my own) more times than I’ve been in love with real human beings.
Is that weird? It’s probably weird. I’ve also heard it’s an aro/ace thing. I’m grey aro and grey ace in case anyone’s confused by my undying love for Dennis and the crrrrazzzy hot sex with Axton. Oh, I left that part out of the Funky epilogue, didn’t I? Best to keep those details private. And I’m not gonna launch into an explanation about what “grey aro/ace” means. I realize that it’s annoying to go on about such things. If you know, you know. If you don’t, you probably don’t care. I’m not offended at all. It’s a completely understandable indifference.
So what else went wrong with Dennis? Does he deserve to get tarred and feathered, drawn and quartered, locked in the stocks to have rotten food thrown at his face? I don’t think so. I think he might have been on the spectrum. I think he was far less experienced than he let on when we entered into something vaguely resembling a romance. Eventually, I succeeded in backing away from him, although I never dramatically cut ties. That would have required giving him more undeserved attention. I simply allowed myself to lose touch with him.
Am I angry that he led me on? Not anymore. Early into the fall semester, he tried to recreate the vibe we’d had initially, but I just couldn’t trust him. I still liked him more than I cared to admit, but I politely refused his quasi-romantic advances... for the most part. But as I slipped a few times and found myself alone with him (resulting in varying degrees of intimate contact), a bizarre new behavior emerged. Dennis would sometimes ignore me at school. Grad school? Nah, son. We were back in middle school. It was infuriating. The ignoring usually happened when things had gotten spicy between us. But it wasn’t consistent. Sometimes, he was extra sweet and touchy-feely after things got spicy. It was unpredictable, inconsistent, senseless, smokin’ hot, ice cold, and completely maddening.
And I captured every little thing that transpired between us in that dreadful, dramatic diary of mine, which was brimming with saccharine statements about my undying adoration of... Dennis? The Golden God? The Golden Weasel? The Prematurely Ejaculating Butt-Blasting Hobbit? His moniker depended on my mood. I often took inspiration from Sex and the City and tried to write like Carrie when she was pining over Big. I wrote terrible poems. I tried to close the door on Dennis by writing a definitive ending to our dalliance. I tried to rewrite some of the more confusing interactions and make them make sense. I cried myself to sleep in an effort to maximally suffer because I still believed in the notion that one must reach a “suffering quota” before she’s earned the right to be happy. That’s total BS.
But now that Dennis was partially reinforcing my pining, the emotional high was off the charts whenever he would randomly pop up and express romantic desires. The high was even higher when he continued to acknowledge my existence following an expression of romantic desires. I briefly became a Behaviorist and worked privately with one of my professors to research schedules of reinforcement and the Partial Reinforcement Extinction Effect in relation to a phenomenon that Dr. Helen Fisher calls “frustration attraction.” In layman’s terms, we were researching The D.E.N.N.I.S. System. So my unintentionally hilarious giga-cringe diary also included crap-tons of research notes, many of which were terrible ideas. If you’ve ever made notes on a project, you know that the cutting room floor is there for a reason. As for me? I had accidentally saved my cutting room floor as a word document...
A year or so later, Funky hacked into my computer, found my diary, and posted it to Tumblr. I wouldn’t find out about this “publication” until a few years after I dumped Funky. And by that time, an older, even weaslier version of Dennis had seen it... More on that in The Abridged Goblinization.
Pre-Funky
I suppose I have to close this out with a small mention of Whiskers. Ugghhhh... He didn’t leave much of an impression on me until he upped his game and got waaaaay more obvious with the flirting. My head was rammed so far up Dennis’ ass (even when I hated him... perhaps most of all when I hated him), I paid no attention to any other man. With the obvious exception of the superficial attention I paid to Scumbanger.
At some point, once Mary fully loathed Whiskers and once Whiskers was able to socialize freely without Mary keeping tabs on him, I basically told him exactly what I wrote in this post about my feelings waxing while Dennis’ waned, and how I was working on accepting things for exactly what they were instead of what they might have been under different circumstances, blah, blah, blah. He sniffed out my weakness and put on this creepily consistent “attentive, emotionally available guy” act. It didn’t work on me at first because I still thought Whiskers was butt-ass ugly. But then I checked myself for being shallow and decided to give him a chance since he’d been consistently kind for several months.
After some awkward initial missteps, Whiskers (now Whisky, not yet Funky) and I got along really well and I felt proud of myself for finally being able to enjoy male attention from someone other than Dennis. I gave myself too much credit for helping Whisky escape the crazy clutches of Mary, and I broke Girl Code when I dated the bearded giant (even though Mary had been through four new men since the night of the Christmas show... and was still MARRIED). Girl Code is tricky when you’re dealing with a delusional maniac. Some would probably say that I didn’t break Girl Code. Mary said that I did. And that had some suuuuuper dramatic consequences that I’ll touch on later.
I neglected to mention this in the first Dennis chapter, but it's relevant to the story; so I'm mentioning it now. Remember how I wasn’t able to sleep next to Dennis at first because I didn’t feel comfortable enough (even though I was fine with banging him). Was that weird? It seemed a little weird to me. And I had a long think about it after I began to accept that Dennis was a douche. So I made up a new rule. No banging until I felt comfortable enough with the guy to literally sleep next to him.
I broke that rule with Scumbanger. Of course, I wasn’t trying to have a relationship with that dreamy, depthless douche. I also broke that rule with “Whisky.” Once. And by the time he convinced me that he had simply been too “in his head” because he cared so very much, I flat-out told him that I wasn’t going to bed him again unless I reached a point where I felt more comfortable with him. And... Dude managed to make me feel at ease. Was this an act? Of course! But how was I supposed to know it was an act? Especially when he was being infinitely kinder and more attentive to my emotions than Dennis had ever even come close to being? It honestly felt like an improvement in the beginning.
So. I fell asleep in Funky’s Whisky’s bed one night. And I took that to mean that I must have trusted him and that he might be worth considering as a legitimate romantic partner. I had established a boundary for myself long before things got real with that masked beard. And although I had faltered a few times, I felt like I was finally getting it right. I felt confident that I had somehow walked into a hidden gem of a relationship. I was dating a guy who wasn’t my typical “type” (theatre weirdo/attention-seeking pretty boy). But he had been consistently kind. Even when he was weird at first, he was convincingly apologetic for his awkwardness. And once things settled down and I persuaded him to stop worrying about boom-boom and focus on being a genuine gentleman... He did exactly that. It was honestly an enjoyable companionship. AT FIRST.
And that’s how it began. Dennis, by being a middling piece of shit, had paved the way for Funky, a bona fide piece of shit alcoholic psycho, to do his very convincing impression of a normal human being (an impression that he’d honed over the many years he’d spent as Vert’s maître D), to seem like an improvement over the last guy and the guy before... Which resulted in a sense of accomplishment and personal growth when I began to catch feelings for this "hidden gem of a man." Or so I thought.
I’m still not sure if these chapters really explain anything... I think if you’re determined to dismiss my reality, you’ll never accept anything I say. I spent a few weeks writing very defensive entries in my journal, and I think I got all the poison out. So that wasn’t intended to be a passive-aggressive statement. Just a statement that hopefully demonstrates my current understanding of human nature. On the flipside, if you’re already an ally to me, you probably didn’t need this long-winded explanation in order to feel some semblance of empathy. But hopefully it was a little bit funny?
So is Dennis an entertaining character? I’m breaking the fourth wall and asking ReddX as well as the audience. Because I personally feel like this trash fire of a relationship belongs in the book version. And I’m already deep into the re-writes, so the Dennis mess is woven in from the get-go. Also... I’m not dropping any hints that Whiskers is pre-Funky. I think letting the audience in on Whiskers' future identity creates more confusion than comedy. Plus, it's probably not that hard to figure out, so I should let the audience/readers solve that mystery. I’m totally open to constructive feedback! Even if you're politely saying that I suck, I'll take it in stride and try to do better.
Alright. I’ve taken you very patient people on the lamest romantic journey of my life! And with that out of the way, let’s go have a drink at nasty-ass Beer Goggles next time! That's Married Mary (Part 9), which I posted several months back, before I decided to shoehorn the Dennis debacle into the story. Sorry if that creates any confusion. And thank you, as always, for being here!!!!
And here are some peer-reviewed articles debunking BLUE BALLS!!!
https://academic.oup.com/smoa/article/11/2/qfad016/7148610
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-Anderson-38/publication/10707600_Tactics_of_sexual_coercion_When_men_and_women_won't_take_no_for_an_answelinks/59874c9745851560584cede8/Tactics-of-sexual-coercion-When-men-and-women-wont-take-no-for-an-answer.pdf
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2024.05.01 14:28 adulting4kids Poetry Syllabus

Course Title: Exploring the Panorama of Poetry
Course Description: This course delves into the rich tapestry of poetic forms, guiding students through the exploration and creation of fifty distinct styles of poetry. From classic sonnets to innovative forms like golden shovel and palindrome poetry, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of poetic expression, learning the nuances of each style and honing their creative skills.
Week 1-2: Introduction to Poetry and Sonnets - Overview of poetry styles - In-depth study of sonnets - Writing Exercise: Crafting a sonnet on personal experiences
Week 3-4: Embracing Haiku and Villanelle - Understanding the elegance of haiku - Exploring the repetitive beauty of villanelles - Writing Exercise: Composing haikus inspired by nature
Week 5-6: Limericks and the Art of Humor - Decoding the humor in limericks - Crafting limericks with wit and wordplay - Writing Exercise: Creating humorous limericks on everyday topics
Week 7-8: Free Verse and Acrostic Poetry - Liberating creativity through free verse - Playing with words in acrostic poems - Writing Exercise: Expressing emotions through free verse
Week 9-10: Ghazal and Tanka Mastery - Unveiling the beauty of ghazals - Crafting tankas with precision - Writing Exercise: Creating a ghazal on themes of love and longing
Week 11-12: Cinquains and Pantoum Prowess - Perfecting the art of cinquains - Embracing the rhythmic challenges of pantoums - Writing Exercise: Developing a pantoum on personal growth
Week 13-14: Sestina and Rondeau Exploration - Mastering the intricacies of sestinas - Crafting rondeaus with musicality - Writing Exercise: Composing a sestina on the theme of time
Week 15-16: Triolets and Kyrielles - Understanding the charm of triolets - Embracing the structure of kyrielles - Writing Exercise: Crafting a triolet on the beauty of simplicity
Week 17-18: Ode to Joyful Ballads - Writing joyful odes - Crafting narrative ballads - Writing Exercise: Creating an ode celebrating personal achievements
Week 19-20: Epic Journeys and Blank Verse - Exploring epic storytelling - Mastering the art of blank verse - Writing Exercise: Composing a blank verse poem reflecting on personal reflections
Week 21-22: Petrarchan Musings and Terza Rima Mastery - Delving into Petrarchan sonnets - Crafting poems using terza rima - Writing Exercise: Writing a Petrarchan sonnet on conflicting emotions
Week 23-24: Renga Collaboration and Prose Poetry - Collaborative renga creation - Experimenting with prose poetry - Writing Exercise: Crafting a prose poem inspired by a vivid memory
Week 25-26: Concrete Poetry and Narrative Art - Creating visual impact with concrete poetry - Mastering the art of narrative poetry - Writing Exercise: Developing a narrative poem based on personal experiences
Week 27-28: Pastoral Elegies and Morning Aubades - Writing pastoral poetry - Crafting mournful elegies - Writing Exercise: Composing an aubade capturing the essence of dawn
Week 29-30: Ekphrastic Marvels and Found Poetry Adventures - Creating poetry inspired by art - Crafting poems through found materials - Writing Exercise: Developing an ekphrastic poem based on a chosen artwork
Week 31-32: Epigrams and Clerihew Laughter - Crafting witty epigrams - Writing humorous clerihews - Writing Exercise: Composing a clerihew about a contemporary figure
Week 33-34: Quatrains and Double Dactyl Delight - Mastering the art of quatrains - Crafting light-hearted double dactyls - Writing Exercise: Creating a quatrain reflecting on the beauty of simplicity
Week 35-36: Terzanelles and Haibun Adventures - Crafting terzanelles with precision - Exploring the combination of prose and haiku in haibun - Writing Exercise: Composing a haibun narrating a meaningful travel experience
Week 37-38: Golden Shovel Challenges and Villancico Celebrations - Creating poems using the golden shovel technique - Crafting festive villancicos - Writing Exercise: Developing a golden shovel poem using a line from a favorite poem
Week 39-40: Tercet Beauty and Sevenling Narratives - Embracing the charm of tercets - Crafting sevenlings with narrative flair - Writing Exercise: Composing a sevenling reflecting on a vivid childhood memory
Week 41-42: Palindrome Reflections and Parallelismus Membrorum Insights - Creating palindrome poetry - Crafting poems using parallelismus membrorum - Writing Exercise: Developing a palindrome poem exploring balance in life
Week 43-44: Rubaiyat Contemplations and Blues Poem Expressions - Exploring Persian poetry with rubaiyats - Crafting poems inspired by the blues - Writing Exercise: Composing a rubaiyat on themes of love or mortality
Week 45-46: Erasure Transformations and Anaphora Intensity - Crafting poetry through erasure - Mastering the use of anaphora - Writing Exercise: Creating an erasure poem using a page from a novel or newspaper
Week 47-48: Tetractys and Sijo Harmonies - Crafting tetractys with specific syllable counts - Exploring traditional Korean poetry with sijo - Writing Exercise: Developing a sijo capturing a moment of beauty or introspection
Week 49-50: Blitz Poem Exploration and Epitaph Conclusions - Crafting blitz poems with rapid expression - Writing poignant epitaphs - Final Project: Compose an original poem using a style of the student's choice, reflecting personal growth throughout the course.
Assessment: - Weekly writing exercises - Participation in collaborative projects - Midterm and final projects showcasing mastery of chosen styles
Materials: - Poetry anthologies - Artworks for ekphrastic exercises - Writing journals - Selected readings for each style
Prerequisites: None. Open to all students with an interest in poetry and creative expression.
submitted by adulting4kids to writingthruit [link] [comments]

2024.05.01 09:55 adulting4kids Types of Poems

  1. Sonnet:
    A 14-line poem, traditionally written in iambic pentameter, with various rhyme schemes such as Shakespearean (ABABCDCDEFEFGG).
  2. Haiku:
A three-line Japanese poem with a 5-7-5 syllable count, typically capturing a moment in nature.
  1. Free Verse:
    Poetry without a fixed rhyme or meter, allowing for greater freedom and natural flow of expression.
  2. Villanelle
: A 19-line poem with a specific structure, containing five tercets followed by a concluding quatrain, using only two rhymes.
  1. Acrostic:
    A poem where the first letter of each line, when read vertically, spells out a word or message.
  2. Limerick
: A humorous five-line poem with a specific meter and rhyme scheme (AABBA).
  1. Ghazal:
A form of poetry with rhyming couplets and a repeating refrain, often exploring themes of love and loss.
  1. Tanka
: A Japanese form of poetry with a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable count structure, focusing on nature and emotions.
  1. Sestina:
    A complex poem with six stanzas of six lines each, ending with a three-line envoi; the same six words end the lines in a shifting pattern.
  2. Cinquain
: A five-line poem with a specific syllable count for each line (2-4-6-8-2), often used to capture a moment or emotion.
  1. Rondeau:
    A 13-line poem with a rhyme scheme and repetition of specific words, often emphasizing themes of love.
  2. Pantoum
: A form of poetry with repeating lines, where the second and fourth lines of each stanza become the first and third lines of the next.
  1. Ode:
A lyrical poem expressing strong emotions or deep feelings, often addressed to a particular person or thing.
  1. Elegy:
    A mournful poem, typically written in remembrance of someone who has passed away.
  2. Ekphrastic
: A poem inspired by a work of art, often describing or reflecting on the visual piece.
  1. Concrete Poetry:
    Poems where the arrangement of words on the page forms a visual representation of the subject.
  2. Prose Poetry
: A hybrid of prose and poetry, characterized by its free-flowing structure and poetic language within prose form.
  1. Epigram:
A short, witty, and often satirical poem or statement, typically with a clever or humorous ending.
  1. Quatrain
: A four-line stanza or poem with various rhyme schemes, commonly used in ballads and hymns.
  1. Epitaph
: A short poem or inscription on a tombstone in memory of the deceased.
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