by OwainGlyn

Fantasy Poetry, although not recognised by many, has a rich history. From Homer's Iliad, an epic based on Greek Mythology, to Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy that follows the hero's journey through darkness and hell, to reach the pure light. Both are required reading on many literature degree courses. There is a fine line between what can be considered fantasy poetry and the term nonsense poetry.

Let's take a look at just two of the greatest proponents that fall into these categories. Lewis Carroll has produced some of the more discussed entries. The hunting of the Snark is a work where a number of characters; Bellman, Baker, Beaver, Banker, and Barrister, set off in a boat to hunt for the mythical Snark. On the face of it, a piece of fantasy poetry, yet numerous books have attempted to analyse this work, in my opinion, none very successfully. Some works have even proposed that the text carry hidden mathematical solutions. For me, the beauty of poetical works are that they allow their readers the opportunity to come to his/her interpretation of the meaning of the text.

Carroll also produced other delightful works such as; The Walrus and the Carpenter, Jabberwocky, and Alice in Wonderland. To my mind these works should be read and enjoyed, without the necessity to minutely analyse the original thoughts of the person that penned them.

I would apply the same thinking to some of the works of Edward Lear. The Owl and the Pussycat often hailed as one of his best works, but when laid against The Pelican Chorus and The courtship of Yonghy-Bonghy-Bo, I reach the same conclusion; these works are works of fantasy. It takes considerable skill to write them, and, in my opinion, they have been written to stimulate our imagination, and for us to enjoy.

The benefits of such poetic tales, often paired with clever illustrations, can help to stimulate children's imaginations. Clever musical rhyme schemes help younger minds to retain these pieces, often well into adulthood.

I have been writing poetry for a considerable time, through spiritual, comedy, political, and romance, Having read to my two sons as they were growing up, I always had it in mind that I would, one day write a work specifically aimed at children. Children have an imaginative innocence that is truly captivating. My original idea was to write the work in prose, however, as I was developing the characters over a number of months, it seemed to me that it would be more natural to write in rhyme.

Characters such as Green Lions, Blue Kangaroos, Erudite Tigers, Gnus fluent in Urdu, amongst others, seemed to fit well, and what child wouldn't love a Hamburger tree? I decided to base the tale around a young boy with a somewhat unusual family. His father painting the house blue and turning part of it into a zoo. The young lad had discovered a secret magical forest and befriended a mythical creature known as a Whumplethump among other creatures. I posted parts on Wattpad and they were well receive, although most of the readers on Wattpad are a mixture of young adults and mature readers. The next task for me is to find a suitable illustrators. If this piece has whetted your appetite, you can find the full text on my Wattpad page.

Example of Fantastic Poetry on Wattpad:
The Adventures of Whumplethump and the Magic Forest by OwainGlyn

Synopsis:

A journey into the world of magical creatures through the eyes of a small boy.

Extract:

I think I've lost poor Whumplethump,

I had him yesterday,

I put him in the garden,

And left him there to play.

But when I went to look for him,

He's nowhere to be found,

It could be that he's hiding

So I'll take a look around.

(He goes on to search the surrounding area without any luck so he wonders if his pet Dalmatian, Jake has eaten him.)

I don't think Jake could swallow him,

A Whumplethump's too big,

But on the other hand, of course,

That dog's a real pig!!

I've known him eat a Whigglewoggle,

Whole, with just one bite,

And watched him hunt Whumplethumps,

On cold and moonlit nights.

(Fortunately, with the help of his family, and a fashion conscious bicycle riding goat, they find his friend and the adventures continue.

Having decided on the main characters it was necessary to find a setting, and a supporting cast. What better than a Magic Forest ? The lad now decides to invite a friend to come to his Magic Forest. He describes some of the creatures he has discovered; including, amongst others; A Gnu that speaks fluent Urdu, A Tiger that goes hunting wearing a top hat, an Eagle that has a nest full of hi-tec equipment.

I've seen a Green lion and Blue Kangaroo

If you want to come with me, I'll show them to you.

It won't take a long time for us to get there,

I've got sweets for the journey that we both can share.

But let us not tarry, let us not be slow,

We'll need to get going, if we mean to go.

So what are you thinking, what do you say?

If you want to come with me, I'm going today.

More on Fantastic Poetry:

Jabberwocky By Lewis Carroll - Read by Benedict Cumberbatch

https://youtu.be/Q_Um3787fSY

Neil Gaiman reads his poem, "Instructions."

https://youtu.be/bi2pBZGJqj8