About workshops

Workshops on Neopoet are groups that meet for a certain period of time to focus on a certain aspect of poetry. Each workshop participant is asked to critique all the other poems submitted into a workshop. A workshop leader helps coordinate -- they set the agenda, give participants feedback on whether their submissions and critique are at they level expected of them, and after the workshop is over, give feedback to participants. 

To join a workshop, first find one that is of interest to you. Once you have found the right workshop (and verified that it is open -- you can find this out in the description below), you can apply to join the workshop.


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Storytelling in Verse

Status: 
Program description/goal: 

Description: To explore and use the 4 most common story structure components.

Leader: Wesley
Moderator(s):

Objectives: To write a narrative or dramatic poem of moderate size.

Level of expertise: Open to all

Subject matter: We’ll start with a generalized discussion of story structure, that is to say, Exposition, Complication, Climax, Resolution. These are the structures that are older than written language. A plethora of different methods exist today, but all are simply variations on the same theme. Sometimes adding (crisis), sometimes splitting, but always using these four elements.

A narrative poem is verse in which the story is told for the most part by a single voice.
Dramatic poetry is verse in which the characters themselves tell the story with their own voices.

Exposition is the information necessary to tell the story.
Complication is the first of successive deviations from the status quo developed in the exposition.
Climax is the moment when the deviations and the status quo come to a head. It can be as astounding as an atomic bomb or the look in the eye of the Doctor when he walked in.
Resolution is a return to the new status quo.

In Western Narrative Tradition these four components appear in every story whether intentionally or not. The four situational blocks can be analyzed and found in any story that seems a story to our Western ears.

Activity:
I’m going to ask you to write a long poem. Each poem must conform to the four story blocks. Exposition, Complication, Climax, Resolution. Each of these must be clear in the poem. I’m trusting the discussion period will facilitate questions and answers to further clarify the four.

There are no restrictions on form. The poet should revert to his/her most comfortable poetic format and style. A discussion on length will be one of the first topics.

Length: 
30 days
Number of participants (limit): 
15 people
Date: 
Saturday, February 4, 2012 to Sunday, March 4, 2012

Comments

This is my first workshop at NeoPoet and I have chosen a subject near and dear to my heart.

I’m going to ask you to write a long poem. Now, before everyone tramples each other at the exit, let me explain “long”.
What we want to write is a lay or a ballade (not the poetic form, but the story medium).
Epic poetry (epopee) is thousands of lines of poetry and is only written by lunatics.
The Lay was chiefly written for music, but the music changed from region to region as oral tradition enlarged and enhanced the work.
Traditionally, “Greensleeves” is thought to have over 130, quatrain verses (not counting choruses). That would be a good upper limit for the workshop I should think. So, no more verses than “Greensleeves”.
As far as a minimum, I think the best rule would be “however many or few that it takes to clearly include all four story blocks, in order.” Everyone around here knows how much I love the long poem. Be willing to give yourself time to flesh out a place, a character, an occurrence. It should be at least that long.
A Ballade would do. A ballade in poetry is a strict form of French descent, but in storytelling parlance it is “a tale of some minutes.” If a Lay would take all night to tell, we will hear on another night many ballades.
There are no restrictions on poetic form. Listen, I’m rather excited about even trying this workshop and I would hate to ask for a bunch of emotional energy if the end product wasn’t going to be cool and unique. So, whereas in other workshops we have been asked to write on a mundane subject to facilitate shredding it all to hell, here I ask everyone put out a new and unique energy in everyone writing and sharing a tale.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

...can it rhyme?, or does it have to rhyme?, or is "verse" used as a synonym for "chapters"?
doc.

Neopoet is "newtriffic" !
...from the heart, or a reasonable faxcimile;
david a. goodwin #{:>{)} @==

Wesley has started a new ongoing one on the same topic
Storytelling in Verse (sempiternal)
http://www.neopoet.com/node/9839

Please re-post your question there.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

This certainly sounds like fun. Let me think it over. My plate is pretty full both here and off site at the moment but if I can see that I'll have time to do it justice I'll join in. I'll let you know in a couple od days but good luck and I'll likely drop in some even if I can't be a participant................stan

You were one of the first I thought of when I decided to try this, but I won't pretend it will be a small commitment and you've been a chicken with his head cut off lately doing so much. I would love your input. wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

Weirdelf mentioned this w/shop to me, thought I'd check it out.
I've a piece I started for more meter after you suggested I try something harder. It is an attempt to relay a fairly interesting dream into Trochaic tetrameter. It proved to difficult and then too long to post. It may be a good first try here, I still have to finish it.

From reading your description of the workshop, I feel the piece I have conforms to the four components.... we'll have to see.
I'll check back for more discussions on this topic.

Count me in Wesley, I'll take the plunge!
cheers
peace

_____________
If I had it my way I'd be up on a mountain. Playing my guitar,
until my calluses grew calluses, my arse a chair and my smile into a halo

I haven't mentioned this yet (there is a lot I haven't mentioned), but it may make things easier on you. I want everyone to post what they have as they go. Don't try to finish the work before sharing it. When you think you have a rough draft of nothing more than an Exposition then throw it out so we can discuss it. This way you can take your time.
I posted a limit of fifteen, but if I'm lucky enough to have everyone join I will turn no one away. I think the whole idea is daunting and I will refuse no one with nerve enough to dive into the pool.
Thanks for being here. If you've any questions, lay 'em out. I have a lot of answers. They may not be the right ones, but I've got a lot of 'em.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

I expect some extraordinary things to come out of it, breaking the mould for many poets, an exciting opportunity.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

Could I enrol or is the workshop already full?

Now that you mentioned it, I won't let you leave. We won't post for a few days, but start working on an Exposition (see message to Bloodstone). Any format of poetry. I would like everyone to create something inimical to them, so don't experiment with the poetry. The task of producing a story with all the right elements will be hard enough. I would very much like the finished product to be something everyone is tickled about and will keep always. Any questions? See the note on Bloodstone.
I live to serve. Welcome.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

yes to this workshop if possible
Chrys

Chrys
Let your mercy spill on all these burning hearts in hell(Leonard Cohen)

Welcome. wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

clarification of the exposition phase

being the
who
what
where
why
when
and how?

I do have something ready but I will wait for the official post date
Chrys

Chrys
Let your mercy spill on all these burning hearts in hell(Leonard Cohen)

Your question is very relevant. All of those elements you listed are NOT necessarily needed. Remember that the Exposition is "the information necessary to tell the story". All information is not needed and not all needed information is required up front.
Let me explain.
All four of the components in a story will exist whether the storyteller adds them or not. They will either be clear enough that the story can be successfully told or they will be muddled and inadequate, but they will be there. Moreover, they will over lap. I tried once to write a short story in which I attempted to keep all of the parts separate. It was effectively impossible.
So, the writer must determine which information is critical, what information must be shared immediately and what can wait or not be included at all.
Consider a joke. "A Rabbi, a Priest and a Caliph walk into a bar..." I now have a cast of characters loosely described and a location. If you know this joke, you know I don't need the time. Also, "what" and "why" are usually aspects of the Complication, so I'm not in a hurry for these either.
This is why I would like to see the roughest drafts posted as we produce them so we can help each other determine what is needed when.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

Are we holding off on discussion until the official date as well? Or is that just the posting of the expositions?

if you have any questions or comments please post them. I have a number of things I want to talk about, but I'm reticent to throw out a "wall of words". Everyone's queries and thoughts help all of us to a handle on how to start this (admittedly rather daunting) task.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

OHHHHHHHHokie gotcha

Chrys
Let your mercy spill on all these burning hearts in hell(Leonard Cohen)

I'm really excited about my workshop. wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

ill join if you can put up with me.

It sounds like a really interesting work shop

Lou

Stand tall, be proud to be who you are, give the world the finger!!!!

I will revel in whatever creative chaos you can bring.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

wish you well

*Collaborative Poetry Workshop* American Version of Japanese Poetry ~ Renga ~ Haiku, Senyru, Tanka.

Neopoet Community

I'm here reading along and although I cannot join, I wish you all the best. I will be reading. Hoppeful to learn by peeking in.

always, Cat

*
When someone reads your work
And responds, please be courteous
And reply in kind, thanks.

You are always welcome to look over my shoulder. Let me get you a chair. wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

So how do these workshops "work", then? One visits every day, and contributes thoughts whilst writing a piece of their own? I have yet to participate in one. So long as it doesn't "meet" at a specific time (i.e. Sundays at....10pm) I should be able to at least contribute a little bit. I can't promise a complete work of art, but I've also never written 'long' poetry - and it's a self-challenge I look forward to: can I keep a reader suspended for many lines?

*rubs hands together* Oh boy!

The workshop works something like this. For a number of days, those in the workshop discuss whateever has to be discussed (in the same way you posted your comment), share private messages regarding whatever topic is relevant, and submit poems "to the workshop" by selecting an option while creating it. Then they critique the work by selecting if their comments are part of the workshop critique, or just any other.

It's really great. You should try joining one.

No verse is free for the man who wants to do a good job. - TS Eliot

http://www.wsgeorge.com/

*Creative Chaos* you have thrown down the gauntlet. Only thing my life is uncreative chaos, between working nights and carless, I'll have to wing it.

~A

.

*Collaborative Poetry Workshop* American Version of Japanese Poetry ~ Renga ~ Haiku, Senyru, Tanka.

Neopoet Community

all about telling a story with my works! As you might guess, "Killer" always has a story to tell. I think this will be lots of fun! ~ Gee

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

This is a solid workshop idea and I would like to join although
my time is limited, hopefully I can contribute enough to appease
the syllabus. I've been storytelling in poetry for a long time, written
several short stories as well so I'm sure I've used the terms you've
pointed out, I just didn't know it. That alone is worth joining this shop.

I did have a question, isn't it possible to have all four components
within a very short poem, thus creating what is a complete work?

I don't believe size is a requirement to achieve all parts of a tale. Take my joke reference. Most jokes when they dump the punch line include a Climax and a Resolution in one sentence. Dickens' "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." includes an Exposition and a Complication of sorts in a single sentence.
Now, personally I think it's hard to do this with brevity. I'm seldom "breve". It takes me fifty lines just to get up a head of steam. As you mentioned, these pieces are there in anything that resembles a story. The question is whether they are clear enough to carry the tale where it needs to go.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

The workshop is “Story telling in verse”.
That means there are two components to the workshop. First, it MUST be poetry. Beware the dark pit of Prose with line breaks.
Second, it must tell a story. The accent in this shop is the second. Personally I think this will be an extraordinary opportunity for a poet to use his/her inimical style in the producing of a lay.
If you have anything started, please don't wait to post. I am going to post my beginning now. It is not a complete Exposition as I wanted it to be, but I'm anxious. Sue me.
It would be exciting (for me at least) if everyone posted their work as they went adding it to the bottom (and making changes to already posted work), so that we may study the "process" as well as the poem itself.
Thanks to all who can be involved.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

As we both write the odd long poem sometimes there is one I was thinking of that would be good for this workshop. May I join in or are all places full, Yours Ian.T

.
There are a million reasons to believe in yourself,
So find more reasons to believe in others..

Post the first part tomorrow. wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

I'm in! I'v always wanted to do this. I'll need some help...and inspiration. Count me in :D

No verse is free for the man who wants to do a good job. - TS Eliot

http://www.wsgeorge.com/

We will help. wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

Are we all to post at the same time or will you indicate who is to post. Not sure what I have fits the billet but that is why we are here is it not lol
Chrys

Chrys
Let your mercy spill on all these burning hearts in hell(Leonard Cohen)

... our workshop was not yet in the drop down list. I think that will change tomorrow, the first regular day of the workshop. Everyone should post the beginnings of what they have as soon as possible so we can start discussing Exposition in each poem. Don't be hesitant. I'm hoping some of these poems will have some length (so mine doesn't look so absurd) and that will take a bit of hashing out. Remember, all of the blocks overlap, so don't hold back if you have an exposition and some of your complication started. Go for it.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

can you give me some examples of the type of poetry you are talking about

Thanks

Lou

Stand tall, be proud to be who you are, give the world the finger!!!!

... well. Do you have a few years. Let's start with the basics. "Epopee" is epic poetry. Homer's Iliad is narrative poetry. Goethe's Faust is dramatic. To answer Michelle's question, you are correct with narrative, but dramatic is when the characters themselves speak a preponderance of the lines (think stage play).
Milton's Paradise Lost is my personal favorite, though I did enjoy Byron's Childe Harold's Pilgrimage. Speaking of Byron, his The Prisoner of Chillon is NOT epopee. It is short without the characteristics of an epic piece. Though it was not written for music, it would more closely relate to my description of a Lay.
I mentioned Greensleeves elsewhere. One could categorize it as a Lay or a Ballade (remember not to confuse yourself with the poetic form of Ballade and the storytelling Ballade which can use any meter/rhyme scheme whereas the poetic form is rather limiting.
To use a modern example, take Don McClean's American Pie. That is a Balllade.
Gilgamesh, Beowulf are both examples of narrative epopee.
My poem, Çaço, Man of the Morning Star is epic epopee.
If you want more examples, I only have about six or seven hundred, but I'll list more if you want.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

Thanks

Lou

Stand tall, be proud to be who you are, give the world the finger!!!!

At the moment I'm thinking it's sort of like this:

Narrative poem = 3r person omnipotent or internal focalised 3rd person p.o.v
Dramatic monologue/poetry = first person narration/ first person focalised

Is this anywhere near right?

please note the missive above to lou. wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

I think I'm gonna have a stab at dramatic.Hopefully there won't be p.o.v issues later on!

I have posted my submission but there still is not a title in the drop down menu , however it is clearly marked as a workshop submission

Title is My Name Is Damien Stryker

Chrys
Let your mercy spill on all these burning hearts in hell(Leonard Cohen)

that is my fault. Jess didn't tell me (see how I move the blame?) I have to enter all of you into the workshop myself. As soon as he explains how, I will do so and we'll be moving forward. Thank you for your patience.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

On the page with your syllabus there should be an add name button

Chrys
Let your mercy spill on all these burning hearts in hell(Leonard Cohen)

Everything should be up and running now. Try editing the post and adding it to the workshop. Sorry for the hassle. I'm new at this.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

The Lay of the Last Minstrel by Sir Walter Scott and Tolkien's The Lay of Leithian and Narn I Chin Hurin.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

I'm a Tolkien nut!

No verse is free for the man who wants to do a good job. - TS Eliot

http://www.wsgeorge.com/

I think I've got it. If there is anyone who wanted to join the workshop, but that I failed to include in the list would you please rip me a new one?
Unless Jess tells me I did it wrong we are under way.
Post whatever beginnings you have now. We want first drafts people. The barest bones.
Thanks for being patient with me and I hope everyone produces something different from they are accustomed to.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

I'll now type out my poem, and post it. It's supposed to be a fantasy story. If this workshop is a success (for me), it could lead to one of my life long dreams. Thanks Wes. You write and awful lot. And that's great.

No verse is free for the man who wants to do a good job. - TS Eliot

http://www.wsgeorge.com/

I too have read everything Tolkien has written. Which includes (oddly relevant here) his 1921 translation of the Elder Edda, also epic poetry. wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

Jess suggested I remind you to bookmark this link as that's where we will be spending most of our time. I hope to god I get the link to work.

http://new.neopoet.com/workshop/view/7350

wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

sorry

Stand tall, be proud to be who you are, give the world the finger!!!!

We are writing stories in pieces. Make sure everyone checks in on the submissions and critique the added materiel.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

Wesley, I take it that we can start with the next part of our stories - the complication. How should we go about it? Should it be another submission, or should we just continue with the poem (maybe indicating where the next part starts, to help with the critique and all)?

No verse is free for the man who wants to do a good job. - TS Eliot

http://www.wsgeorge.com/

you will discover a box for "revision". If you simply replace the whole poem with the changes (if any) in your initial post and the later additions, your original will be preserved and you (and everyone else) can access it through that box.
This brings up a thought I've often shared that has particular relevance in this workshop. This is my perspective.
One of the secrets to being a successful writer in general and a good storyteller in particular is- "Endless Revision". I never consider anything I write to be finished as things may change in my ability, personality, environment that will cause me to see what I wrote in a very different light. I am constantly attempting to bring my older poetry up to date with my improved skills. Since we are writing a story that must act as a single unit we dare not leave the beginning or middle to its own devices. What we write later will influence what we have written before.
Therefore, my suggestion is to keep working on the poem as a whole as you are adding to it.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

We had a couple of us drop out, so I can't count those. Don't wait for my permission. As you have work ready, lay it on us so we can keep moving. We have several fantasy tales begun (you know who you are), so those stories MUST be completed or I'll lose my cookies. I love that stuff.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

Please remember this is an ongoing workshop and keep an eye peeled for updated stories. Please don't critique once and never return. Example, I have posted the rest of my tale and want everyone to tell me exactly where my climax is, whether it succeeded, where my resolution is and whether it succeeded. I see others have moved on as well and I'll be getting there shortly.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

I have of course noticed that a number of us seem to be choking. I am truly bummed, but I also understand. Storytelling in verse is (to me) one of the truly difficult genres of poetry. For those who have never given it a shot, it can be daunting, filled with pitfalls and difficulties unexpected. I have always considered myself a storyteller before a poet. My storytelling has come natural to me since childhood. The poetry, however, is a chore. I have to work at it rather hard to produce what I consider mediocre verse. From my experience here at Neo over the last many months it has been demonstrated to me time and time again the population of this website is made up chiefly of natural poets. The poetry comes much more easily to Neo's population than it does for me, but storytelling may be quite alien to many here.
I hope I have not seen the last of some of these stories (Bloodstone, William, Michelle?), but I would never presume to threaten any of you.
I don't know where you live.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

I was trying too hard at something I have never truly practiced.
Wesley, I apologise for my truancy and I hope I don't let you down. Just know that getting involved in these workshops has inspired and interested me, so much so that during my hiatus I realized how they had practically overwhelmed me.
I've been indulging one of my favourite pastimes; Norse myth and lore and at the same time just reading some poetry.

I'm still working on that 'Scene from a Dream'. I've been meddling with some ideas, trying to take this out of the box piece by piece and grow some meat on them feeble limbs!
At the moment I don't have enough to make an update here. Through to the end of this week I'll hopefully have something to show.

The art of storytelling is definitely something to respect! (we learn this about everything, and forget this lesson so easily :)

oh, I'm rethinking inviting you over for a beer.......
(hehehe)

_____________
If I had it my way I'd be up on a mountain. Playing my guitar,
until my calluses grew calluses, my arse a chair and my smile into a halo

I just got here and would have loved to be a part of this. I have a piece I'd like to show but my understanding is that I would have to be added to the stream as a member. Is this still the case?

Thanks Wesley

Ron

Blue Demon77

"What I want is to be what I was before the knife,
before the brooch pin, before the salve, fixed me in this parenthesis:
Horses fluent in the wind. A place, a time gone out of mind."

The Eye Mote-Sylvia Plath

Currently overwhelmed with work, but I'll come back and finish the poem.

No verse is free for the man who wants to do a good job. - TS Eliot

http://www.wsgeorge.com/

we all have lives and though we really only live them to give us material for our poetry, still they must be lived. wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

Any room for an old , bald, slow Scotsman?

Ian

TIME FLIES LIKE AN ARROW, BUT FRUIT FLIES LIKE A BANANA

always. Of course, being an Englishman by heritage (an MOP in my back ground) I think the only respectable thing for a Scotsman to do is... well, that's politics and I'm an American now.
Please, show us an exposition. Have you checked on the syllabus?
You are always welcome. To the last day.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

You have completely justified my confidence in you and you have inspired me to writing a storytelling poem.

Thank you sir, your work and commitment are well appreciated.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

I was concerned. That helps. wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

i am new and am wondering even though it is posted open the dates are confusing to me may i join or have i missed this workshop?

Tommi Cordial

Dawn breaks over marble head...

would love to join in the outskirts of this if it is still going
judy

'Each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star,
shall draw the Thing as he sees It, for the God of Things as They are.'
(Rudyard Kipling)

How could any of us turn a seeking poet away?

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

how do i check out everyones' poems?
cheers
judy

'Each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star,
shall draw the Thing as he sees It, for the God of Things as They are.'
(Rudyard Kipling)

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

I'm going to publish a long narrative poem at the workshop site above and hope that someone still looks at it.
Thanks,

Blue Demon77

Blue Demon77

"What I want is to be what I was before the knife,
before the brooch pin, before the salve, fixed me in this parenthesis:
Horses fluent in the wind. A place, a time gone out of mind."

The Eye Mote-Sylvia Plath

I am going to post a narrative poem at the site listed above. I hope I'm welcome at this late stage in the game.

BlueDemon77

Blue Demon77

"What I want is to be what I was before the knife,
before the brooch pin, before the salve, fixed me in this parenthesis:
Horses fluent in the wind. A place, a time gone out of mind."

The Eye Mote-Sylvia Plath

I'm pretty sure Wes would love to see your work. If you're the type who'll throw Milton a challenge, by all means share. :)

No verse is free for the man who wants to do a good job. - TS Eliot

http://www.wsgeorge.com/

RED for Clara Bow (July 29, 1905 – September 27, 1965)

by Ron Woodruff

In the daylight incognito
In the twilight hollow glow
In the nightime burning brightly
as it has since long ago
-
-
In the big and sprawling structure
dusty antique overture
aught but bedroom still is vital
living lonely, clean and pure
-
-
A cashier on the Canyon takes a step outside
for a smoke inside forbidden and better place to hide
he sees motion in a window in the hills under the sky
to the old deserted mansion, he decides to take a ride
-
-
wrangling curves on Laurel Canyon stark
these childhood roads bring a faint spark
of a story heard as a young boy
of an actress crying in the dark
-
-
At the turn the boy strives
the overgrown canopy of trees survives
still the light is burning brightly
apprehension as he drives
-
-
All the boarded doors and windows
shed their captors in easy throw
as the front door creaks wide open
the boy knows where he has to go
-
-
through the door the house is clean
up for sale from what he's seen
then upstairs he hears the music
he says hello, far from serene

At the window the candle flares
brighter as he nears the stairs
at the top a shadow forming
a pure white dress is what she wears
-
-
'I'm sorry ma'am' the boy stutters
'I saw a fire'....'shhhh' she utters
'come with me kind child up here'
his heart rate climbs from beats to flutters
-
-
He sees the many pictures lining
the staircase in the weakened shining
she smells of angels and musk before him
she opens a door and rests reclining
-
-
'You saw my light, that's very rare'
her husky voice smiles into air
'could you love one such as me?'
'You're beautiful' all he could share
-
-
She smiles and asks him to come close
He shuffles over to this rose
the most graceful beauty, the deepest eyes
he joins her in her chaste repose
-
-
'Scott', she asks her face downturned
'How did you know my name?' he yearned
'I've been waiting for so long for you'
She tells him as her tears fall churned
-
-
'Now you know the truth sweet one'
'the rest is you, leave and run'
'or stay...precious few have shed a tear for me'
'but you did, darling, you're the one'
-
-
Scott missed not another day
he cradled her his lips did gently lay
she met his kiss and his embrace
azure tears, alabaster sway
-
-
'That's it, you loved me' she smiled
'I...do still' Scott says beguiled
'It was another you before but still'
'you remembered the goal beautiful child'
-
-
She walked with him down hand in hand
at the open door she stopped to stand
the candle fluttered twice then out
Scott hugged her, kissed the promised land
-
-
Scott went back the following day
the windows and doors boarded and grey
an agent stopped saying 'can I help you?'
'I thought.....she must be away'
-
-
'I'm afraid not kid, this is long shut down'
'decades before I came to town.'
'By the way, do you know a Scott Manion?'
'That's me, he says, 'that you have found'
-
-
'It's strange becuase the studio just found this'
she holds out a parchment paper with bliss
'it names you benificiary of her estate'
'how did you know her 'the agent insists
-
-
'I loved her and was there for her'
'while other people saw disaster'
'we shared one night and kissed so strong'
'that I can't stop wanting those lips so tender'
-
-
'Well, Scott I'm not sure what you mean'
'but sign this and soon you must be seen'
'at the magistrate to sign the deed'
'the house is sound, we've kept it clean'
-
-
Scott took up residence right away
he packed and painted, every day
then one day as he started to go
he saw the note on the way
-
-
'My love you released me from loneliness so'
'I was able to find peace and finally go'
'I can still visit upon chance with your will
'My love and my savior, yours, Clara Bow
-
-
-

Blue Demon77

"What I want is to be what I was before the knife,
before the brooch pin, before the salve, fixed me in this parenthesis:
Horses fluent in the wind. A place, a time gone out of mind."

The Eye Mote-Sylvia Plath

I read through the poem, and though I got lost somewhere in the middle (it's just me, I'm sure) I got to the end and finally got the full story. Quite touching, I should say.

I think, for the most part, I paid more attention to the rhyme and meter. This site has taught me to. In the third verse, you broke from what you started with. I'm sure it may raise a few eyebrows here, but that wasn't the point of this workshop.

I couldn't really identify the various parts Wes talked about when we did this: the exposition, especially. Probably didn't because I got lost somewhere.

I liked the story though, and I wish you would put the poem in the stream (if you haven't already) so we can all see and comment.,

No verse is free for the man who wants to do a good job. - TS Eliot

http://www.wsgeorge.com/

I appreciate you having a look and have already found your criticism valid. I want the rhyme and meter to be silk, so this is something I will address in revision. As for where you got lost, was the verbiage clear?, did I take a zig when I should have zagged?. I am going for nothing more than the tale being coherent, poignant, and having a level of imagery and narrative flow so if there is anything you can pinpoint for me I would be most grateful. Oh and I wouldn't mind a tear in tear in the eye at the end.

Thanks again William

PS I am running an open Chat/Improv/sharing room tonight from 9-11 PM EST. You have my most personal and cordial invitation. I would love to see you there.

Blue Demon77

"What I want is to be what I was before the knife,
before the brooch pin, before the salve, fixed me in this parenthesis:
Horses fluent in the wind. A place, a time gone out of mind."

The Eye Mote-Sylvia Plath

I will take a much deeper look at this poem, and do my best to analyse, line by line. Right now, I'm tied up with work (photographer, great models, fun, but work).

As soon as I can, and if I'm not beaten to it, I will be more thorough. Also, besides Wesley, you really should see Weirdelf. He's great with meter. You could check out his workshops too. He's run several, and he's very willing to help anyone.

Sadly, and very sadly, I won't be able to join for the chat tonight. It's work, work work, and I'm draining the coffee cups soon. :)

No verse is free for the man who wants to do a good job. - TS Eliot

http://www.wsgeorge.com/

This piece is called Red-2. I believe it fulfills most if not all the requirements for Storytelling in verse. Check it out if you'd like. I've got a fondness for it.

Thanks,

Blue Demon77

"What I want is to be what I was before the knife,
before the brooch pin, before the salve, fixed me in this parenthesis:
Horses fluent in the wind. A place, a time gone out of mind."

The Eye Mote-Sylvia Plath

I don't want you to think I'm ignoring you. Time constraints have been a problem of late. This workshop thread is almost as active after the fact as during, so I don't want to be the one to kill it.
I shall return and offer whatever paltry thoughts I may have on the tale.
wesley

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

author comment

Have patience though, he is currently between computers and it might take a little while for him to get back to you.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

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