The
muse
slumbers,
q u i e s c e n t,
waiting for the words
forming images in the mind,
dormant, latent for an eternity, inactive.
She lives. Inspiration. She breathes. Aspiration. She awakens! Resuscitation.
© Jim T. Henriksen
August 1st, 2006
Author notes
Fibonacci is a non-rhyming style that uses fibonacci numbers in the syllable count: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, etc. The poem should have a minimum of six lines, but could have more. The difficulty increase for each line, as each line has the number of syllables matching the next fibonacci number...
If you wonder what the next fibonacci number is, add the two previous numbers. (21 + 34 is 55, 34 + 55 is 89, etc.)
I did a small change, altering the last word from resuscitated to resuscitation , so that it fits better with the rest of the line, creating three inline rhymes instead of two. Hope you approve.
Allow for the longest lines to break for screen width, longer lines are often clearly separated from each other with an extra line.
Written August 1st, 2006
In a list
A contest entry
- Extra! extra! by pattyann4500.
300 points, ended October 26, 2006, 15 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - for the poets who think they can write imagery (pw allowed) by abuyi.
1200 points, ended January 24, 2008, 29 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - !! PREWRITTEN POEMS !! by lost.and.alone.
400 points, ended August 15, 107 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
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There is something timeless about this poem and you've achieved wonderful depth in so few words. Using the Fibonacci is a wonderful way to bring out the imagery that the muse forms in his mind. It's powerful and moving in its brevity - something not everybody is able to achieve with this form. The title compliments the content very well too. A lovely poem and a good take on the contest theme.
Love,
Amera♥
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Your words of praise humble me, I do not know if I am worthy such praise.
I do believe that a good poem paints a better picture than any painter would make, or any photographer would take. When I write based on a picture, I do as I would rewrite another poem, I take it in, shake and stir, and let the words pour back out on the paper. When the muse comes over me, I just let it flow... 
Thanks for the comment, and for the applause, I bow humbly for your praise. 
Jim
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its very beautiful write, first time im countering Fibonacci, your author notes helped me in appreciating and better understanding your work, its very beautifully done, i liked how you used dormant and latent in the same line for syllable thats very clever of you.
please comment on any other entry of my contest and post in in your authors notes..thanks for entering
best of luck
regards
abuyi -
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Thanks, abuyi!
I had been experimenting with a few Fibonacci poems before this poem came to me, directly from my muse, so to speak. It was not done with any specific intent, to use "dormant" and "latent" in the same line, it just came out that way.
About your contest rules, I did as you asked, and you can find the added comment in the authors notes (at the end).
Thanks for commenting! Jim
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thank you
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Im bad with numbers you lost me there, but the poem it self I enjoied!
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Thanks,
I appreciate your comment, and I thank you for your applause! Jim
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nice job
Inanimate pose, but animates the gift in writing, lovely work!!!
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Thanks
for the comment, and the heartwarming applause! Jim
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Hi, Patricia! I am so glad you liked this, both the form and the poem itself. Many people seem to like this, when it was fresh I got tons of comments and applauds, as you can see, most coming before it even won it's gold.
Crossing my toes for another gold here, it would be awesome if it won another. 
Thanks for the comment, and the applause, I appreciete it very, very much! Jim
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I absolutely adore this!!!!! What a fabulous ending, and the poem and form are both intriguing. I must say that you have taken a very simple form and turned it into a true work of art. Thank you so much for entering this wonderful piece. Hugs, Patricia
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Hi, Previn! I am glad you like the Fibonacci style. I have written a few others in the same style, just search for "Fibonacci" on my main page. This style is sort of semi-free verse, as it has no rhythm and rhyme rules, but still has restriction as to number of syllables on each line. It is quite a challenge to write a Fibonacci poem, and to make a good poem in this style you have to try to get the lines to be independant, or atleast the longer lines, so that they complete a full thought, so to speak... I hope you understand my meaning, and I hope you will send me a link to your first Fibonacci poem.
Thanks for the applause, and the comment, especially the last part about seeing me on the trail of the comets. I really appreciated that! Jim
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Surprising!
I'm quite intrigued, this is the first time I've encountered the Fibonacci style. I must learn more about this. I normally favour free verse poetry because its flowing and not restrictive however I think it would be quite a challenge to write in the Fibonacci style. I must give it a shot sometime. I like how you made the poem flow while still keeping within the bounds of the form. It certainly describes a slumbering muse quite aptly. Keep it up and see you on the trail of the comets!
Previn -
Hi, Joyce! Glad you could comment now, that is what is important, to hear what my friends and others think of my work... The poem won gold! Thanks for the comment, and the applause, and a big hug to you and your husband as well!
Jim
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FANTASTIC!!!!!
Jim, This is a fantastic fibonacci you penned here for the contest. Your excellence in form poetry is preceded only by your thoughtful and caring way. I am sorry I missed this when you posted it originally and I hope you fared well in the contest with it. Don't ever put the pen down. Love you always bro, Joyce 
Big Hugs for the family too.
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Hi, EasternBlue! Thank you for your comment, I really appreciate it! Jim
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Hi, Vic! I think you definately have read and comment on some of my poetry before, just don't recall which at the moment... Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it! Jim
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Hi, Solus!
You make me blush! I guess it is due to that it uses the Fibonacci sequence as syllable count, a number that increases by the number phi, the Golden number. Thanks for the comment, and the applause, it means a lot to me! Jim
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Hi gOD in Neutral! Haven't heard "Lateralus" by Tool, but I'm sure gonna look it up now... Thanks for the comment, and the applause, I appreciate it a lot! Jim
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Hi, Andu! Glad some out there recognize the Fibonacci sequence, and that you liked it! Thanks for the comment, and the applause, I appreciate it... Jim
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Hi, Ceenotesongs! I look forward to reading your first Fibonacci, if you're so kind to send me a link when you're done! Thanks for the comment, and the applause, it means a lot to me! Jim
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Hi, Poet-treeman! I've always been a starhiker, but you're welcome to join me on my trek. Thanks for the comment, and the applause, I really appreciate it! Jim
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Hi, Sweetful! Yes, it was like a "good morning" from my muse. Thanks for the comment, and the applause, I appreciate it a lot! Jim
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Hi, Clovis! Thanks for the comment! Jim
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Hi, femurlee! Breathtaking... Thanks for the comment, and the applause, it means a lot to me! Jim
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Hi, NJSem! The poem was inspired by the sculpture, in a way, but the poem also inspired me to find that picture... Thanks for the comment! Jim
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Hi, sahdana! Glad you liked it, hope to see one from you one day! Thanks for the comment, and the applause, I appreciate it! Jim
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This is realy excellent with deep insights.
It surele deserves gold!
Congrats and cheers!
Best wishes.
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4 Stars ****
Wow, I doubt if i have read amny of your works... infact I am quite sure that i have hardly read your works, for i havent been reading much in past few months...
a very descent, appropriate, respectful and honorary write here.... i am so very happy to have read it.. I hope you are not mad at me for taking up so long for commenting over it
take cares and have a nice time my dear friend.. just keep it up.. your humble little friend..
.. .. .. - vic ( who else? )
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Your poem should be right next to the definition of this style. It was superb, not awkward in any way, but meticulously crafted, just like the sculpture. It was complete and alive on its own. Excellent piece.
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original/vivid
Great use of Fibbonacci Sequence in here, not to mention fluent and clear word composition. The style reminds me of "Lateralus" by Tool, only their lyrics go 1,1,2,3,5,8,5,3, 16,8,5,3. But taht's irrelevant. What's relevant is that this poem, though brief, is amazing. -
This was awesome! ...As a math student, the fibonacci thing caught my eye, and I'm glad it did coz this rocked. Your syllables fit perfectly and your poem flowed beautifully, well done!
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Quite powerful. You can almost hear the breathing coming from this piece. I'll have to try out Fibonacci some time.
Great write. -
Starhiking has propelled you to the heights of poetic forms. I'll try to latch-on and learn a little something. Very well done.
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this one was definately given by a waiking muse...really great short and full of impact just like the rising sun...
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Excellant
A very unique write/read. I like it a lot. -
Sparkling
This is a "breathing" piece. Sleep is one of my favorite things to do. Peace. -
Wow! very unique! Words to portrait such an interesting sculpture. Almost brings it to life. Nice imagery here. Passionate and vivid.
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I'm unfamiliar with this formal style (er, excuse me, now I'm somewhat familiar, thanx to U), but what I CAN say is that this piece truly speaks to me and works quite well...I enjoy the way your words grasp my heart and the pic is marvelous! well done-peace and blessings!
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Hi, paullallady! Thanks for your great comment, I really appreciate it! Jim
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Hi, PoetsAngel! It's ok, nobody is forced to comment on my poetry, but I am happy when some come back to comment later, when they have time. Please do not feel naive, as you put it, each poet write his or her best, and that is better than those who can only critisize you for trying to write... Thanks for the comment (and the earlier applause), it means a lot to me! Jim
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good
The picture and poem are in perfect synch. You did an amazing job. I can never stay to a structured poem, and am amazed by those that can. good job -
Hi, I'm sorry I didn't comment, was feeling a bit raw after doing a huge re-write on a personal piece. i loves this poem, I am not new to writing but new to the diffrent types, something about this just grabbed me, It flowed for me the images it conjured were just inspiring. times like this I feel a little naive. sorry
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Hi, cliche! Thanks for the comment, and the applause! I appreciate it! Jim
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Hi, Riche! My muse had just fallen asleep, not gone missing, so I knew it was just a matter of time before something came a long to wake her up. I like to use different forms, and though I write short at times, I try to make the poem say much with few words. This form requires just that, if you're to write a good poem. Thanks for the comment, and the applause, it really means a lot to me! Jim
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A MASTERPIECE
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Beautiful! Such a dainty muse you have within you. This style is very intriuging, yet at the same time very well-formed. I admire your choice of words, each word forming an image inside my mind.
Btw, thanks for your comment on my muse, I guess we're both writing bout the same topics.
Cheers!
Riche
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Hi, Ayton! Thanks for the comment, and the applause! Jim
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Hi, jeanaz! Wow! That was four "wow's"! I am so happy you liked my poem, your comment means a lot! Jim
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A pyramid of pleasantry!
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Wow. This is a good poem. Simplicity that captures the essence of the picture that accompanies it. Just the way i like it. Wow! Wow! Wow!
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Hi, Dee! I am glad you liked it, and I look forward to reading your first Fibonacci style poem. If you'd send a link, I will surely read and comment! Thanks for the comment, and the applause, I appreciate it a lot! Jim
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Hi, devotionemotion! I am glad the poem turned out to be better than it seemed in the beginning. The idea of the poem was to show how my muse woke up again after a time of no inspiration. Thank you for your comment, and your applause, it means a lot to me. Jim
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A very impressive piece, Jim, and a very interesting form. I think I'll study it a bit and try it. It sounds a little complicated at first but should be easy enough to figure it out.
Your poem says a lot, giving the sculpture life with your words and imagery. I like this a lot
Dee
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cool little style. I had never heard of it until now. I must admit that when I first started reading this that it was going to suck, but it was quite good actually. I love how you made her wake at the end of the poem. Beautiful. Nice write.
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Hi, Jette! Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it! Jim
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Hi, aunicorngirl! I am happy you liked the poem. The two last lines? I guess you refer to the line seperated from the first lines. That line is set to break at a certain point if the screen is too small. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it a lot! Jim
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Hi, Philogos! I am glad you came back to comment, though you lost your bonus points... I'll reimburst you with an applause. I am pleased this helped your muse wake up too. Seems this poem has that effect on many AP-poets. The way the words are formed is based on their syllable count, which is determined by the numbers in the Fibonacci sequence, as described in the author's comments. By the way, did you know that you have a name that is related to these numbers? The rate in which the numbers increase (the factor) is called phi. Thanks for the comment, and the applause, I really appreciate it! Jim
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Hi, Cosmic euphoria! I am glad you liked the poem, and that it helped your muse to wake up aswell. Thanks for the comment, and the applause, I appreciate it a lot! Jim
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Hi again, wren. Thanks for adding me to your favorites, I look forward to your message. Jim
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Hi, liquidmindforever! Yes, I guess the poem would be like that, pauses upon pauses... The form is called Fibonacci, after the number sequence by the same name, which determine the syllable count. As you see, I also tried to shape it as a pyramid, so I guess it's form poetry in two senses. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate! Jim
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Hi, tomisb! When the muse comes over me, I just let it flow. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it! Jim
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Hi, dead-heart-beat! I am glad you liked it, even if it's not your type. Thanks for the comment, and the applause! Jim
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Awesometastical
Wow. Simply amazing. Brief, but drawn out. Excellent work. -
Thanks for introducing me to this new style of poetry. I absolutely love the wording in this poem of yours.
I really think the last two lines really bring the poem together, in a way that makes the whole poem flow very beautifuly. Keep it up. -
Took a look at this earlier but was too busy to comment. I'm finding it hard to get anything worthwhile written at the moment so this rather strikes a chord. I really like the way the words stutter out in ones and twos at the start and then come with a rush as the muse wakes up. Spot on.
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I really like this, I never thought I'd be intruiged by such type of poems but this really gets to me.. I've been on a writers block for a while and this kind of helped me out.. especially the background and the picture..
Peace.
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Hi, Susie! I am happy to see that there is some out there that knows of Fibonacci from before. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it! Jim
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I'll add you to my fave so I'll remember to send it to you.
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Nice poem. Thought holding. Causing pauses and re-pauses after clauses of more pauses. Nice form and line lengths. What form is this? If it is specific? Congrats on the gold.
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Hi, SmudgedInk! Yes, it's called Fibonacci after the number sequence it uses for syllable count. I found it on the web, and decided to go for it! Thanks for the comment, and the applause, I appreciate it a lot! Jim
Ps. I will keep on writing... -
Hi, wren! I look forward to reading your first Fibonacci, if you're so kind to send me a link when it's done. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it! Jim
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Wonderful result for an interesting challenge. The creative side of us would love is the muse spent more time with any one of us except for the poet with sore fingers. Love, Tom B.
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very good not my type but its good
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Very inspirational syllable count from a great nnumerical sequence!
Susie -
Wow I admire you for using a writting style and it even has a name!"fibonacci" is just fabulous.I like the title and picture and six lines of writting it is very laid back.thanks and keep writting okay? ok.
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Its really great and it goes nicely with the picture. I've never head of this form of writing, I'll have to try it some time.
Wren -
Hi, lady wolverine! Yes, my name is Jim, interestingly enough. I will take a look at your poetry, as you ask. Thanks for the comment, and the applause. Jim
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Hi, John! I look forward to reading your first Fibonacci poem! Please send me a link when you've made it, and I will happily critique it! Thanks for the comment, and the applause, I appreciate it! Jim
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ass kickin
it is interesting so ur name is jim is see..well it was interesting critque mine pleez..byebye -
Excellent
nice to hear about this form
A good job done as well.
May be, many will be stimualted to try this out in the near future.The picture perfectly matches the poem content. -
Hi, grannyeri! I actually found the image after writing the three first lines, and the image inspired me to write the rest. I guess my muse woke up when she saw the image. Thanks for the congrats, I appreciate it a lot! Jim
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Congratulations on winning gold in this contest - awesome poem for this picture - great form to use with the words you chose.
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Hi, Renee! Thanks a lot! Didn't expect that win... And yes, I guess I suffer from Alzheimers or something.
Thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it. Jim
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Hi, Prince! Thank you very much, I was totally stunned when I got the message that I had won. I am happy you liked the poem. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it a lot! Jim
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CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR TROPHY WIN!
You come back on the scene with a true winner. That's great!
I wrote two (2) Fibonacci poems when you introduced it to the masses here at AP way back in January. You even commented on them both. Please don't tell me at 32 you suffer from CRS.
allpoetry.com/Poem/1752522
allpoetry.com/Poem/1749749
Much Love ♥
Renee
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Congratulations on the gold... much deserved. A very nice visual, and literary poem you constructed here. Such expression was displayed in the confinement of form. Tremendous job!
Prince
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Hi, Renee! Yes, I thought so too, that quiescent would make a nice, word of choice. I look forward to reading your first Fibonacci poem. The Master would like to see the work of the Apprentice. Seriously, thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it a lot! Jim
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Ahhhhh! Now exhale and write... I love the use of "quiescent". The spacing makes it all the more quiet and still. The Fibonacci is definately my favorite new form. I don't need to tell you how well written this poem is because you are the Master. Glad to see you back. Loved the poem!
Blessings & Love
Renee
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Hi, Myra! I know it Fibonacci poems are difficult, but it is with this form as with many others, you just have to try until you manage it... If at first you don't succeed, try, and try again. I don't know what it is, maybe it's because I am a visionary philosopher, but I seem to grasp the concept of new forms fairly quickly, and manage to write poems in the forms I try after a few tries - sometimes even at first attempt. One form I failed at first attempt was the Audrielle by monimac, in the poem Snow. I succeeded in my second attempt, in the poem Let Us Prey. Um, sorry for the long reply. Thanks for the comment, and the applause, I really appreciate it a lot! Jim
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Lemme count those syllables! ;)
Hallo Jim -- Wow -- I have never heard of the Fibonacci before ... do you REALLY think I will be able to manage that?
Nevertheless, your poem is perfect. I can understand why you are a visionary philosopher.
Love
Myra -
Hi, captain splat! I try my best to stick to the rules of the forms I write in, and one of the few rules is to keep it the right count of syllables per line - else it's breaking the Fibonacci sequence. I guess you could call it flow, or maybe pattern, but it is true, it drags the eyes through the text. I can imagine you standing there applauding. Thanks for the comment, and the standing ovation. Jim
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It's all there, every last syllable.
Hi Jim, I must admit that I was not familiar with this style and I am glad that you explained it all in your author's notes. I am one of those sad people who is forced to check and count syllables when someone says that they must conform. You have done an excellent job here with yours without disturbing the content or the (can you say flow for this style?) way it should easily draw the eye through the text. It is a pity you cannot see me as I stand and applause your work.. -
Hi, Soulful Woman! Sorry to hear you banged your head after trying Fibonacci poetry... I just let my muse inspire me, or as I say in my quote, When the muse comes over me, I just let it flow. Thanks for the comment, it means a lot to me. Jim
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I have tried this and have ended up banging my head against the wall...but you did a terrific job. The words didnt even seemed forced, it just flowed. Great work..you should be proud.
Soulful Woman -
Hi, ShamanEyesLaceHeart! Yes, the picture was searched for by inspiration of the three first lines, and it inspired again the rest of the poem. Thank you for your wonderful comment, I appreciate it! Jim
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I love the flow, and the words you chose to use. On top of that, the picture is lovely. Great job conveying everything!!! Keep it up :]
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Hi, Falling Angel. I am happy you like my poem that much. Thanks for the comment, and the applause, I really appreciate it! Jim
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sweet
sweet this is realy cool
wwwwwwoooooowwwwww!!!!!!
i like it the them is realy cool.
keep up the good work
talk to you later
~falln~
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