WEEK 4

Beginning September 17.

Another poetry style that we have used in previous contests.

Week 4 will feature the Tempoem.

Instructions on how to write a Tempoem follows.

There are three variations listed below. You can use either variation.

Good lock to one and all.

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Tempoem

The Tempoem is a poetry style created by Bill Temple in December of 2012.

It is a very simple style that consists of 28 words, divided into 7 defending lines, that all rhyme.

Constructing a Tempoem

The layout of a Tempoem is very simple.

Line one consists of 7 words.

Line two consists of 6 words.

Line three consists of 5 words.

Line four consists of 4 words.

Line five consists of 3 words.

Line six consists of 2 words.

Line seven consists of 1 word.

The last words of line one must be rhymed with lines 2 - 6. The seventh line (one word) is the same as the end of line one.

The last word of line one is also the title of the Tempoem.

When reading a Tempoem, it should read easily from top to bottom (lines 1 - 7), as well as from bottom to top (lines 1 - 7).

By this, it means the Tempoem should make sense both ways.

To complete the process of a Tempoem and to create the perfect Tempoem, it should be visually aesthetic.

This is not an absolute, but it does offer a visual excellence.

(Sometimes using double spacing can add to the effect of the Tempoem)

Fight

Never give up, keep up the fight

Walk the dark tunnel, to light

Keep the goal in sight

Ignore the dark night

Reach that height

Victory delight

Fight

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Variations ...

The Double Tempoem

A Conversation about Caring

"Put down that blade, please for me."

"Why should I, what do you care?"

"I've made mistakes, that I see."

"Mistakes. You were just never there."

"It's not too late, please."

"I need you to hear."

"I'm listening sweetie, honestly."

"This is no dare."

"I understand completely."

"I am sincere."

"I agree."

"Be aware."

"Me?"

"Care."

(A double Tempoem. A conversation between a parent and a child.)

As you can see, the Double Tempoem follows the same format as the single, but it combines two in one.

This form is especially effective in comparing things and for conversations.

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The Mirror Tempoem

Red

Sails in the sunset, glowing magnificent red

Signs of a glorious day ahead

Honeymoon spot for the newlyweds

Fireworks exploding, inside heads

Passions ignite, bed

Silence spreads

Red

Volcano's head

Molten lava bed

Fiery balls, flying overhead

Nightmare spot, dreams now dead

Glorious morning, now full of dread

Sails in the sunset, now burning red

The Mirror Tempoem is actually two Tempoems, connected by a central keyword (in the above case Red).