Friday, December 29, 2023

elfchen

 "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 am immediately charmed and challenged by this form, because "What do you mean?" but also because in German "elf" means eleven, yes, but when capitalized (Elf), also elf! So to me there is no choice but to write them playfully mischievously.


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


Thanks to the Poetry Sisters for letting us all play along! Watch their Elfchens cavort at the locations below, and I'm wishing our host, Michelle at MoreArt4All, and all of YOU a playful and mischievous end to 2023, in the knowledge that a little joy can keep us going even when the world's pretty dark.

15 comments:

  1. I shouldn't play favorites with any of these bouncy efforts but I love "fiesty little hothead".

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  2. (from Tanita)
    Ah, 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??

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  3. The form is charming and challenging for sure. I love how you've played with it, and mischief is always welcome. Happy New Year!

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  4. Heidi! 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.

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  5. These are SO GREAT. They actually feel like hybrid Elfchens and Valerie Worth mediations (that we did LAST month). The match especially. Wow.

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  6. These are lovely! I am also one who loves the smell of coffee but hates the taste. :)

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  7. Love 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!

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  8. Oh, that match! Yes! Happy New Year, Heidi!

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  9. So 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!

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  10. Heidi, 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!

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  11. These are so funny Heidi, thanks for the laughs and 😌 smiles! I also love that "feisty little hothead," thanks and Happy New Year!

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  12. Yes, the "feisty little hothead" for the win!

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  13. These are fun, Heidi! Vanilla extract is another deliciously tempting smell where the "tongue/revolts"; I speak from childhood experience. Ha. Happy 2024!

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  14. The lobe waiting for adornment grabbed my attention. And that match head! These were fun. Happy New Year, Heidi.

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Thanks for joining in the wild rumpus!