Today I am ‘having a go’ at the Etheree poetic form. It is somewhat similar to the Cinquain and the Rictameter, both of which I have tackled previously. The Etheree is a ten line form ascending in syllable count for ten unrhymed lines, and it should focus on a single idea or subject. Thus the syllable count is in the form: 1.2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
This can be altered to give a Reverse Etheree: 10.9.8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1.
The form is attributed to an American poet, Etheree Taylor Armstrong of Arkansas (1918 – 1994). Little seems to be known of her life except the poetic form she devised.
Notes adapted from ‘The Poets’ Garret’ et al.
I have attempted both forms below – on the subjects of ‘Idleness’ and ‘Life’ …
‘Love In Idleness’ . . . Pen & Wash – WHB
IDLENESS – A REVERSE ETHEREE
Today I vow to spend in idleness,
to do no more than listen keenly,
allow the world to speak to me,
while I, in turn, consider
which way my life now leads,
trying to find peace
within my mind
that will see
my life
through.
LIFE – A REGULAR ETHEREE
Life,
in truth,
defeats me.
Midst storm and stress
I struggle to keep
that equilibrium
which holds me in its stillness,
waiting with some trepidation
for that final push to reach the stars
where my disquietude will cease to be.
Roland's Ragbag 