Taking Shapes

New to poetry? Unsure about the quality of your work? Then why not post here to receive some gentle feedback.
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juggles
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Tue Apr 08, 2008 7:02 pm

Taking Shapes
If only I could change the world,
I’d make it square for a start.
Design the trees with oblong leaves
and flowers in the shape of a heart.
The sun would be a diamond and
the moon a cupid’s bow, shooting
stars at the chevron hills and the
zigzag lakes below.
Pyramids of mountains too, would
add to this angled place, whilst the
sea could be striped or even checked,
filling in any empty space.
Nothing would be circular on this
newly chiselled ground.
But I’ve no plans to ring the changes,
while love makes the world go round.
Last edited by juggles on Fri Apr 11, 2008 10:02 am, edited 1 time in total.
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barrie
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Tue Apr 08, 2008 7:45 pm

Welcome to the forum, juggles - can I call you jug?

Just take a little time to read the rules about posting. You're asked to review at least two other poems before posting any of your own. If you don't offer any opinions on the work of others then you probably won't get many coming your way - give and take.

Lets see some crits.

cheers

Barrie
After letting go of branches and walking through the ape gait, we managed to grasp what hands were really for......
juggles
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Tue Apr 08, 2008 7:50 pm

Oh I see, I didn't read the rules :shock: I prefer juggs
TDF
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Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:02 pm

Welcome aboard Juggles,

Although David speaks truth, I will add that I actually quite like this. It's quite a change from what is generally posted
here. It's nice to see a different style. So get criting! :)

TDF
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camus
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Tue Apr 08, 2008 11:35 pm

Indeed, crit or...bit, I dunno.

That said, I enjoyed this.

See - Harry Nilsson - The Point

cheers
Kris
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oddball
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Fri Apr 11, 2008 6:32 am

Hey, juggles. I've only just been made aware of the visual presentation of a piece myself so one thing I can suggest is maybe ditch the double spacing? I enjoyed the content, though. Nice sentiment.
"The greater the outward show, the greater the inward poverty."
- Jiddu Krishnamurti, Commentaries on Living
Elphin
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Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:11 am

juggs

You need to get those crits done. It will encourage others to interact with you.

I see you have done a couple in Prose section to match your post there. Doing crits will help you develop too.

Based on this piece you will do well here so go on jump in with the crits

elphin
juggles
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Fri Apr 11, 2008 10:04 am

I have single spaced it as suggested.
As a new 'poet' I really don't feel qualified to critique someone elses work, I may give the wrong advice. I'm not clever enough.
I mainly write comedy/drama and sitcoms. I have only recently started to write a novel which is also a new thing for me. Maybe I'm on the wrong board? :D
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barrie
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Fri Apr 11, 2008 10:34 am

juggles wrote:As a new 'poet' I really don't feel qualified to critique someone elses work, I may give the wrong advice. I'm not clever enough.
- All you have to do is give an honest opinion - why you like a poem, (or don't like it), suggestions for improvements, etc. All anyone can give is their opinion - it's not about being right or wrong, it's about personal preferences, and your view will help the writer to build up a wider picture. If we all just posted our own stuff and no-one bothered giving any opinions, there wouldn't be much point to the forum. We're all here to learn, not just how to improve our poetry but also how to help others improve their writing too - and that means expressing our opinions.
Give it a try - it's easy after the first 'kill' (just joking).

Barrie
After letting go of branches and walking through the ape gait, we managed to grasp what hands were really for......
John G
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Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:14 pm

I'm new to this juggles and beleive me when I start to crit Ifelt way out of my depth, after all having zero experience I just felt I was in no position to offer any opinions let alone advice.

I agree with Barrie, just start with what you like about it, do you like the subject?, the words used?, don't fret about using all poetic terminology etc, just say what you feel.

No ones going to bite your head off, after all we’re all here to learn.
After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say 'I want to see the manager.
juggles
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Fri Apr 11, 2008 4:14 pm

I think I'll stick with the prose thread. :D
Elphin
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Sun Apr 13, 2008 7:29 pm

juggs

It would be great if you stuck around here too - this was a very simple piece but also effective with consistent imagery, good rhythm and rhyme and a clear message.

There you go - thats how simple a crit can be.

I hope you post some more

elphin
Richard WH
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Sun Apr 13, 2008 9:01 pm

Hello Juggles
I'm new too and just like you I dont feel that qualified to be commenting on others poems. I fear my points are rather basic.
But I love poetry and I'm going to stick around because I want to learn.
Fancy keeping me company?
As for your poem, well I really enjoyed it. It was a refreshing change to others I've read.
Beautiful imagery that would work well for all ages.
Although I think the image of hearts for flowers works very well in isolation, in the context of the poem I'm a little unsure as hearts to me are curved and soft, despite having a sharp point. Wverything else seems very straight and angular.
Hope you stick around as I'd like to read more of your poems if you have any
Richard
The meaning of communication is the response it gets
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stuartryder
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Sun Apr 13, 2008 9:34 pm

Hi Juggles

Something's askew with the scansion - the meter seems fine but it's broken into incorrect lines. Is that deliberate?

Also, I found the "twist" at the final couplet a little too abrupt for my taste. Just so you get MHO!

Cheers
Stuart
juggles wrote:Taking Shapes
If only I could change the world,
I’d make it square for a start.
Design the trees with oblong leaves
and flowers in the shape of a heart.
The sun would be a diamond and
the moon a cupid’s bow, shooting
stars at the chevron hills and the
zigzag lakes below.
Pyramids of mountains too, would
add to this angled place, whilst the
sea could be striped or even checked,
filling in any empty space.
Nothing would be circular on this
newly chiselled ground.
But I’ve no plans to ring the changes,
while love makes the world go round.
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