"Elfchen"
Greeting, poetry players! I'm joining with the Poetry Sisters today in their hijinks with the German poetry form which you *could* call an "elevenie," but why would you when you could call it an "elfchen"?
The form (German Elf "eleven" and -chen as a diminutive suffix to indicate diminutive size and endearment) is a short poem with a given pattern.
I hope I succeed a few times here...I'm going with semistandard punctuation, and I think the first word serves as title in these. The first one's from an extended verse narrative I'm working on.
coffee
steams darkly
in Mom’s cup:
nose intrigued but tongue
revolts
lobe
hangin' out,
a blank slate
just waiting for adornment:
purpose!
match
lies lightly–
feisty little hothead
craving our casual strike–
ignites
Liz @ Liz Garton Scanlon
Tricia @ The Miss Rumphius Effect
Tanita @ {fiction, instead of lies}
Laura @ Laura Purdie Salas
Sara @ Read Write Believe
Kelly @ Kelly Ramsdell
Tricia @ The Miss Rumphius Effect
Tanita @ {fiction, instead of lies}
Laura @ Laura Purdie Salas
Sara @ Read Write Believe
Kelly @ Kelly Ramsdell
I shouldn't play favorites with any of these bouncy efforts but I love "fiesty little hothead".
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ReplyDeleteAh, Cousin, I love these!! The coffee especially makes me laugh because that's a moment from my next book - wanting that sip, but... Nope. The hotheaded match cracked me up. Aren't these fun??
The intro is as fun as the poems!
ReplyDeleteThe form is charming and challenging for sure. I love how you've played with it, and mischief is always welcome. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHeidi! Magical! You did succeed! I have had the same lifelong relationship with coffee as your character does "nose intrigued but tongue / revolts." I love the juxtaposition of "lightly / feisty" in your poem. It is very satisfying to read. Your second poem reminded me to go in and put on earrings before my day begins.
ReplyDeleteThese are SO GREAT. They actually feel like hybrid Elfchens and Valerie Worth mediations (that we did LAST month). The match especially. Wow.
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely! I am also one who loves the smell of coffee but hates the taste. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the "blank slate", Heidi. I'll never put on my earrings again without remembering your image! And, from a match's POV - awesome! Happy New Year wishes coming your way!
ReplyDeleteOh, that match! Yes! Happy New Year, Heidi!
ReplyDeleteSo curious between your NIV and "coffee" -- I learned only a few years ago that both my boys dislike the smell of coffee (which wafted throughout my home -and does still- every morning of their lives). Happy New Year, Heidi!
ReplyDeleteHeidi, you did a great job with all three of your elfchens. I especially relate to the one about coffee. I love the smell, but cannot stand the taste. I can't wait to hear more about your NIV. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThese are so funny Heidi, thanks for the laughs and 😌 smiles! I also love that "feisty little hothead," thanks and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYes, the "feisty little hothead" for the win!
ReplyDeleteThese are fun, Heidi! Vanilla extract is another deliciously tempting smell where the "tongue/revolts"; I speak from childhood experience. Ha. Happy 2024!
ReplyDeleteThe lobe waiting for adornment grabbed my attention. And that match head! These were fun. Happy New Year, Heidi.
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