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Sherlockian Challenge
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Sherlockian Challenge |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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This is just an exercise for those studying meter and flow. Many of the great poems of the past have had areas where their meter slipped in places. This is not a criticism of them, since the poets (some of the finest in history) have their poetic license to do whatever they wish.,,but it's interesting to find these variances and helps to train the eye (and ear) to recognize them and improve our own writings. Occasionally, I will reprint one and challenge you to find the missed meter masquerader. Here's the first... Alexander Pope (1688–1744) Ode on Solitude I. How happy he, who free from care The rage of courts, and noise of towns; Contented breathes his native air, In his own grounds. II. Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread, Whose flocks supply him with attire, Whose trees in summer yield him shade, In winter fire. III. Blest! who can unconcern'dly find Hours, days, and years slide swift away, In health of body, peace of mind, Quiet by day, IV. Sound sleep by night; study and ease Together mix'd; sweet recreation, And innocence, which most does please, With meditation. V. Thus let me live, unheard, unknown; Thus unlamented let me die; Steal from the world, and not a stone Tell where I lie. |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
Is it this line? "Together mix'd; sweet recreation" |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
That line has a syllable too many for sure...good eyes! There are more... |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
I ws going to say this one but I remembered that hours may be ok as one syllable  "Hours, days, and years slide swift away," |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Right you are, miss. Hours as a one syllable word makes it fine. As Edgar Allen Poe used to teach, it's not the amount of syllables, it's the amount of SPOKEN syllables. There's a difference  |
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rachaelfuchsberger
since 2007-02-21
Posts 609Las Vegas, NV |
Blest! who can unconcern'dly find That line doesn't quite flow right...I could be wrong. Arana Darkwolf |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Actually the meter is right there, although I don't know why the exclamation point was used. |
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