Poetic rhythm is created by use of metrical feet. These feet incorporate a pattern of stresses (light and heavy) which determines the poetic meter (the beat).
The rhythmic structure found in each line of poetry contributes to how a poem sounds. Just as the way a person walks determines the sound of his footsteps, the type of poetical foot used determines the rhythmic patterns heard in lines of poetry.
Poetic meter is established by use of iambic, trochee, anapest or dactyl--metrical feet used in English poetry. While other poetic feet such as spondee or amphimacer may be used, the first four feet are commonly heard.
Poetic Meter: Iambic
An iambic foot is characterized by a soft stress followed by a heavy stress ( . /). An example of how this sounds would be:
/ the glass / of blue / it broke / in two / (da DUM, da DUM, da DUM, da DUM).
A pattern of stresses is clearly heard in each metrical foot: / the glass / of blue / it broke / in two /. This is an example of iambic tetrameter. Four feet comprise this line and the latter words are stressed in each metrical foot.
* A line of poetry might use iambic trimeter (three iambic feet), iambic tetrameter (four iambic feet) or the oft heard "iambic pentameter" (comprised of five feet).
Poetic Meter: Trochee
In the reverse scenario from iambic meter, each trochaic foot is comprised of a hard stress followed by a soft one (/ .) An example would be:
/ bake it / take it / shake it / (DUM da, DUM da, DUM da).
Thus, the meter would sound: / bake it / take it / shake it /.
Poetic Meter: Anapest
An anapestic foot contains two soft beats followed by a stressed beat ( . . /). This poetic rhythm is heard in Clement C. Moore's The Night Before Christmas:
/ T'was the night / before Christ / mas when all / through the house / (da, da DUM, da, da DUM, da, da DUM, da, da DUM).
The rhythmic pattern of stresses is clearly heard: / T'was the night / before Christ / mas when all / through the house /.
Poetic Meter: Dactyl
A dactylic foot is characterized by one stressed beat followed by two soft beats ( / . .). This is the opposite of anapestic rhythm.
Pussy cat / pussy cat / where have you / been * * / (DUM, da, da, DUM da, da, DUM da, da, DUM * *). In this example, the asterisks mark two pauses. This line would sound: /Pussy cat / pussy cat / where have you / been /.
When creating poetry, it is important to be consistent when using metrical feet. Staying true to poetic meter imparts the correct rhythm in rhymed verse and prose, cementing the flow of a piece.
References
1. Icing the Cake, Writing Stories in Rhythm, 2006, Dori Chaconas
2. Writing Picture Books, Writer's Digest Books, 2009, Anne Whitford Paul
Poetry and Writing
Creating an Effective Picture Book Title--an effective picture book title can be a make-it/break-it factor for a children's book.
Making a Book Dummy--a book dummy reveals a story's strengths and weaknesses.
Swinburne's Foresaken Garden--poetic imagery portrays how time reaps a grim harvest.
Melody Rhodes - M. Rhodes is author of the Bedbug Books. She's been published in Canada, U.S. U.K. & NZ and has won awards for her poetry/prose.
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