If you’re ready for something different in poetry, try the inverted stanza format. It’s basically one stanza followed by another one that repeats exactly the lines of the first but in reverse. I learned about this format from Cleopatra Mathis in one of my favorite poetry writing books, Wingbeats II: Exercises and Practice in Poetry. According to Ms. Mathis, and I concur, this exercise “encourages surprise and invention.”
Below is my attempt, which was written for my beloved doctor. Hint: Keep your sentences short and consider the first stanza as an argument and the second as a reply, which will give you reasons to re-use the same words. As you will see, I chose words that could double as a noun or verb. Have fun!
Ode to My Neurologist
A Poem for Both Sides of the Brain
Dr. Freedman requests
a poem. He shall have. Why
not? Because he’s my doctor?
Due to our friendship?
We debate literature and
travel freely, yet he cares
and offers counsel.
My doctor leads me
into a world where I dance
like an angel. I can wear heels!
Like an angel, I can wear heels
into a world where I dance.
My doctor leads me
and offers counsel:
“Travel freely!” Yet he cares.
We debate literature. And
due to our friendship
(not because he’s my doctor!),
a poem he shall have. Why?
Dr. Freedman requests.
For examples of more inverted stanza poems (and poetry prompts galore!), check out Wingbeats II.
Mar 30, 2015 @ 14:46:56
As the editor of Wingbeats and Wingbeats II, I am truly happy to read that these are among your favorite poetry writing books! And I love this poem too!
Mar 30, 2015 @ 23:55:11
Scott, thank you so much for reaching out. I actually mentioned both Wingbeats I and II in the poetry workshop I led a couple of week ago, recommending them to beginning poets. They are among the most dog-eared in my collection.