The Boundless Possibilities of Non-Rhyming Poetry

What happened to rhyming poems?

Hi All

If you are new to the Poetry Genius weekly Newsletter – welcome!

If you have been here before though you will know that each week I discuss and introduce various aspects of Poetry and Poetry Writing, so if you write poetry or simply like to read, you will find a mixture of subject matter as well as hints and tips to help you on your poetic journey.

Today, I want to talk about the declining popularity of rhyming poetry, both in reading and in new offerings from established poet. So why? And why are other types of poetry now favoured?

Have a read at the following, and feel free to let me know your own views.

The Boundless Possibilities of Non-Rhyming Poetry

Rhyming poetry is proper poetry, all this other stuff are merely lists of phrases and pretentious nonsense!

I hear this from several poets, mostly I may add from people of the older generation, but also from poets new to the craft, whose interest has been caught by reading a snatch of Wordsworth’s tale of daffodils and such, and think to themselves “I could do that, now where’s my rhyming dictionary”.

For centuries, the world of poetry was dominated by strict adherence to rhyme schemes and metrical patterns, where verses were carefully crafted, words meticulously chosen to conform to the expectations of what defined "true" poetry. Rhyming couplets, sonnets, and other formal structures reigned supreme, their musical cadence and melodic rhymes captivating audiences across generations.

However, as the literary world evolved, a new era of poetic expression emerged, one that challenged the long-held conventions and opened the doors to a vast expanse of creative freedom. This revolution is embodied in free verse and prose poetry, where the constraints of rhyme and meter are cast aside, allowing poets to explore the boundless depths of language and emotion without the shackles of traditional forms.

In my early days as a poet, I too favoured the familiarity and charm of rhyming poetry. The satisfying chime of words echoing one another held an undeniable appeal, and the structure provided a sense of order and discipline. Free verse, at first glance, appeared to be little more than a haphazard collection of words, lacking the musical quality that had captivated me for so long.

Yet, after years of writing and reading poetry, a profound realization dawned upon me. Free verse and prose poetry are not mere lists of words, they are powerful tools that liberate the poet's voice, allowing for unparalleled depth, nuance, and emotional resonance.

With the constraints of rhyme and meter removed, I could explore the full breadth of language, crafting verses that flow with the natural cadence of thought and emotion. Each word is carefully chosen not for its ability to conform to a predetermined pattern, but for its intrinsic power to evoke, to provoke, and to ignite the imagination.

Moreover, free verse and prose poetry echo the earliest forms of poetic expression, harkening back to a time when verse was untamed, unfettered by the rules that would later shape its evolution. The ancient oral traditions of cultures around the world often favoured non-rhyming, free-flowing verse, allowing storytellers and poets to weave their tales and experiences in a manner that resonated with the rhythms of everyday life.

It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that the practice of rhyming poetry gained widespread popularity in Western literature. Influenced by Arabic and Persian poetry, European poets began to use rhyme schemes and metrical patterns, creating a new tradition that would endure for centuries. While this development gave rise to some of the most celebrated works in the literary canon, it also inadvertently imposed limitations on the artistic expression of poets.

In the 20th century, the resurgence of free verse and prose poetry challenged these long-standing conventions, offering poets a canvas upon which they could paint with the boundless hues of language, unrestrained by the confines of rhyme or meter. Pioneers like Walt Whitman, T.S. Eliot, and Gertrude Stein paved the way for a new generation of poets to explore the depths of human experience through the freedom of non-rhyming verse.

As my understanding of poetry deepened, I came to appreciate the inherent power of free verse and prose poetry. These forms allow for a level of subtlety that can often be lost in the pursuit of rhyme and meter. The careful placement of words, the deliberate pauses and rhythms, and the seamless integration of imagery and metaphor can create feeling and meaning that challenges the boundaries of traditional poetic structures.

In the end, I believe poetry is not defined by the presence or absence of rhyme or meter, it is a boundless exploration of language, emotion, and the human experience.

Free verse and prose poetry serve as a reminder that true artistic expression knows no bounds, that the limitless depths of creativity can be plumbed through the careful arrangement of words, untethered from the conventions that once constrained them.

Next week:

A close look at one of my Boosted poems, published on Medium.com, and examine why it was favoured, and what made it an earner.

Till then, cheers.

Tom