Please note: We are all students of poetry. I have given you the instructions on how to write the different forms. Try your best to be as exact as you can. There are no tests, and I don’t grade your work. LOL!
Crafting Poetry One Syllable at a Time
Hi! I’m glad to see you here. Are you ready to write some syllabic poetry?
HERE’S THE CATCH: You can’t use the prompt words! SYNONYMS ONLY! Except for the first challenge of the month ~ then, the poets get to choose their own words. ❤
I hope you will support the other poets with visits to blogs and leaving comments. Sharing each other’s work on social media is always nice too.
Please note: We are all students of poetry. I have given you the instructions on how to write the different forms. Try your best to be as exact as you can. There are no tests, and I don’t grade your work. LOL!
The most meaningful change you will learn about is in writing a Haiku vs. a Senryu. Also, remember, pronunciation in various parts of the world will affect your syllable count. Go with your gut on deciding the syllable count. You are the poet and the creator of your work.
I sponsor this challenge to help poets learn how to write various forms of poetry. Remember, if you are sending your poetry for publication in literary journals, contests, or self-publishing, you should know the correct forms and use them.
HAIKU IN ENGLISH 5/7/5 syllable structure. A Haiku is written about seasonal changes, nature, and change in general.
TANKA IN ENGLISH 5/7/5/7/7 syllable structure. Your Tanka will consist of five lines written in the first-person point of view. This is important because the poem should be written from the perspective of the poet.
HAIBUN IN ENGLISH Every Haibun must begin with a title. Haibun prose is composed of short, descriptive paragraphs, written in the first-person singular.
The text unfolds in the present moment, as though the experience is occurring now rather than yesterday or some time ago. In keeping with the simplicity of the accompanying haiku or tanka poem, all unnecessary words should be pared down or removed. Nothing must ever be overstated.
The poetry never tries to repeat, quote, or explain the prose. Instead, the poetry reflects some aspect of the prose by introducing a different step in the narrative through a microburst of detail. Thus, the poetry is a sort of juxtaposition – different yet somehow connected.
Cinquain ALSO: Check out the Cinquain variations listed here: Cinquain-Wikipedia These are acceptable methods to use. Please list the form you use so we can learn from you.
Etheree The Etheree poem consists of ten lines of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 syllables. Etheree can also be reversed and written 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. The trick is to create a memorable message within the required format. Poets can get creative and write an Etheree with more than one verse, but the idea is to follow suit with an inverted syllable count. Reversed Etheree Syllable Count: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Double Etheree Syllable Count: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10, 9, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Senryu in English 5/7/5 syllable structure. A Senryu is written about love, a personal event, and have IRONY present. Click the link to learn the meaning of irony.
Image credit: Pinterest.com
(Currently, free-verse prose poems are NOT part of this challenge)
This site even has a link so you install the extension on Google Chrome.
For Synonyms and Antonyms. When your word has too many syllables, find one that works.
Find out how many syllables each word has. I use this site for all my Haiku and Tanka poems. Click on the “Workshop” tab to create your Haiku or Tanka.
I will publish the Tuesday prompt post at 12: 03 A.M. Mountain Standard Time (Denver Time). That should give everyone time to see the prompt from around the world. The RECAP is published on Monday and will contain links to the participants.
WRITE YOUR POEM ON YOUR BLOG as a post.
This will give me a chance to add the links from everyone’s poem post from the previous week, on the Recap I publish on Monday. I urge everyone to visit the blogs and comment on everyone’s poem.
The rules are simple.
I will give you two words. Choose synonyms from those words for your poetry. You, the poet, now have more control over the direction of your writing. Follow the rules carefully. Don’t use the prompt words.
LINK YOUR BLOG POST TO MINE WITH A PINGBACK. To do a Pingback: Copy the URL (the HTTPS:// address of my post) for the current week’s Challenge and paste it into your post. You may also place a copy of your URL of your post in the comments of the current week’s Challenge post.
Because of the time difference between where you are, and I am, you might not think your link is there. I manually approve all links. People taking part in the challenge may visit you and comment or “like” your post. I also need at least a Pingback or a link in the comments section to know you took part and to include you in the Weekly Recap published each Monday.
BE CREATIVE. Use your photos and create “Visual POETRY” if you wish, although it is not necessary. Use whatever program you want to make your images.
As time allows, I will visit your blog, comment, and TWEET your POETRY
If you add these hashtags to your post TITLE (depending on which poetry form you use) your poetry may be viewed more often:
#Haiku, #Tanka, #micropoetry, #poetry, #5lines, #Haibun, #Prose #Senryu, #CinquainPoetry, #Etheree
You may copy the badge I have created to go with the Weekly Poetry Challenge Post and place it in your post. It’s not mandatory:
Have FUN! Write some Halloween Poetry! ❤
Pingback: Night colour creeps – Jane Dougherty Writes
Pingback: Tanka Tuesday: Night restlessness – Jane Dougherty Writes
This is the right poem 🙂
https://janedougherty.wordpress.com/2018/10/09/tanka-tuesday-night-restlessness/
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Pingback: Darkening Story – #haiku #tanka | Trent's World (the Blog)
Hi Colleen. I decided to join in again this week with both a tanka and a haiku. I guess that is becoming my norm, as this is the third week in a row I did those two.
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That’s great, Trent. You gotta go with your gut and how the muse let’s the words flow…
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Yep, I always try to follow my muse wherever it wants to go…
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Perfect. 😀
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Pingback: The Paid Puppets – Sharing With Others –
Pingback: The Paid Puppets – Sharing With Others –
Pingback: Colleen’s Weekly #Tanka Tuesday’s #Poetry Challenge No. 105, “Color & Creepy,” #SynonymsOnly | willowdot21
Pingback: Colleen’s Weekly #Tanka Challenge #105 – Colour & Creepy #MicroPoetry #Etheree | But I Smile Anyway...
Pingback: Unearthly Beings ~ #poetrychallenge #etheree | Night Owl Poetry - Dorinda Duclos
Hi Colleen! Here’s my etheree for the challenge!
https://dorindaduclos.com/2018/10/09/unearthly-beings-poetrychallenge-etheree/
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Pingback: Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge Color & Creepy | Annette Rochelle Aben
https://wp.me/p4ayEo-34U My short link in case the ping back doesn’t work
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Pingback: REBEL WITCH — a poem | loristory
Thanks for the challenge, Colleen! Here’s my double etheree about a rebellious witch. https://loristory.wordpress.com/2018/10/09/rebel-witch-a-poem/
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine and commented:
Time to get your syllables together.. it is time to face this week’s #Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge from Colleen Chesebro. Synonyms for Creepy and Colour…
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Here is my effort for this week 🙂 Been a bit cheeky and added a bit of sneaky promo in as well
https://wp.me/p3kG6h-46m
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Pingback: VIBGYOR ethree poem – My pen
Pingback: Haunted Wandering: A #TankaTuesday #TankaProse (10/9/18) – Frank J. Tassone
Thanks, Colleen! Here’s my latest: http://frankjtassone.com/2018/10/09/haunted-wandering/
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Pingback: #Poetrychallenge – colour and creepy – Robbie's inspiration
Hello Colleen, here is my entry for the week: https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/2018/10/10/poetrychallenge-colour-and-creepy/
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Pingback: Salem, 1692 – Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings
I tried a double etheree this week. Something a bit different from the usual autumn and Halloween themes. 😉
https://merrildsmith.wordpress.com/2018/10/10/salem-1692/
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Pingback: Woolly Worm – Haiku – Let Me Tell You the Story of…
I’m going to be away again, but I adore these prompts, Colleen. Can’t wait to see everyone’s entries. 🙂
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I’m always thrilled to see you Diana. Visit when you can. I’m trying to write and a manage a host of other fun things. I’ll be here when you stop by again. ❤
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Pingback: Whoa | Willow Poetry
My reply to this week’s challenge. Thank you, Colleen.
https://helenevaillant.com/2018/10/10/whoa/
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Pingback: Smorgasbord Poetry – Colleen Chesebro Weekly Tuesday #Poetry Challenge Number 105 #Haiku | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
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Pingback: Tanka Tuesday – devilish | Twenty Four
Pingback: Haiku: Dark Beasts | The Dark Netizen
Here’s my take on the challenge:
https://thedarknetizen.wordpress.com/2018/10/11/haiku-dark-beasts/
Happy reading! 🙂
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Pingback: Friday Fun Poetry Challenge: Color and Creepy | Abbie's Corner of the World
So much fun! I just got here, so will miss the deadline since I post only on Fridays. But I’m going to try the Etheree on my own with your prompts (synonyms only – great idea!). ❤
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You have until Sunday for this challenge. Hop on with your Etheree. 🧡
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Pingback: Poetry Friday ~ Color & Creepy | The Writer Next Door|Vashti Q
Hi Colleen! Happy Friday! Here’s my contribution for this week: https://wp.me/p3eYyj-1SY I decided to try the Etheree style. 😀 xx
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OH, my goodness, Vashti. What a fabulous post. I had to share it. ❤
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Thank you so much, Colleen! I’m so happy that you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing it! ❤ xx
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Just lovely, Vashti. ❤
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Second attempt at posting I put this link in the wrong place. Oh no! odaciuk.wordpress.com/2018/10/12/winters-coming/
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LOL! No worries. ❤
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Pingback: Winter’s Coming | Stuff and what if…
Just posted my very first try at your challenge, Colleen. https://wp.me/p2XQu3-9MV
Hope I have remembered the correct proceedure!
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Yes! I’m so excited. That’s great. I’m off to have a read. ❤
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Ooooh!
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I can’t find you…
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Oh No!
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I found you! ❤️❤️❤️
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Pingback: A Strange Beauty | method two madness
https://methodtwomadness.wordpress.com/2018/10/13/a-strange-beauty/
I wasn’t sure where these words would go, but the Oracle helped me out this week. (K)
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Pingback: Morning Storm – Charmed Chaos
I went with a Haibun this week Colleen! https://charmedchaos.com/2018/10/13/morning-storm/
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Pingback: Bloody Night – SallyChowdhary
Hi Colleen so finally I wrote a etheree and not a freestyle poem like the first time. Lol
I hope you enjoy it.
https://sallychowdhary.wordpress.com/2018/10/13/bloody-night/
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Wonderful, Sally! ❤
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Thank you Colleen.😊
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Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – St. Kitts, Mother Sauces, Family Drama, Music, Short Stories and Humout | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
Colleen please tell me if we can increase the number of lines or we have to stick to the number given in the various forms of poems?
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Sally, you need to stick to the number of lines and syllables… but, instead of one Tanka, do two, or more. The same goes for the rest of the syllabic forms. I did an Etheree, double Etheree, and another Etheree for a poetry contest last week. ❤
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Can you send me a link or give me an example so that I can have an idea how to go about it, Only if you are okay with it.
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Sally: This is the Etheree, Double Etheree, Etheree I wrote for that contest. Think of it this way, a Tanka poem is five lines – in poetry, 5 lines is a stanza… If you do three of those Tanka you have a 3 stanza poem with a beginning, middle and end. Free style poetry is prose – just words flowing from your heart. It’s a totally different style. Here’s my poem:
Samhain’s Song – Etheree, Double Etheree, Etheree – by Colleen M. Chesebro
Glad
children
prepare for
Trick-or-Treat fun,
never really
knowing the truth behind
the festival of Samhain—
where the ancestors arrive home
while we wear costumes to avoid harm
confounding the good souls from the evil.
As
the Veil
thins, we see
remnants of long
lost ancestors and
the good neighbors who sing
hauntingly sweet songs of old.
For those who hear the fairies chant
countless men will agonize and wail,
all for the love of those dulcet sweet sounds.
The Samhain sun descends into the realm
of the underworld where death’s dark lord
no longer controlled by the sun,
walks on the earth unfettered.
Spirits of the long dead
saunter forth, searching
for weary souls
to possess.
Stay safe
now.
Our
bonfires,
lit ablaze,
as red flames leap—
blessing a new year
for all pagans to keep.
While the sun’s journey across
the skies swallow up the bright light,
The lord of darkness reigns unsurpassed
until Beltane’s soft warmth brings back the sun.
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Oh okay thank you so much. 😊
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No worries. I’ll help wherever I can. ❤️
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