Cheers to yesterday’s dVerse Poets Pub prompt for teaching me a new poetry form, the “Magic 9”. First, my poem using this format, and then, a little about the method. and how it helped me weave together several of my passions.
Acclaiming and Not-the-Saming
Toxic cultures practice blaming,
remember mistakes forever,
and foster nasty end-gaming.
(Not my cup of tea!)
Give me a land of not-the-saming,
where diversity of thought,
celebration and acclaiming
lift each one’s endeavors
to help us land where we’re aiming.
Magic 9 Poetry Form
As explained by the dVerse Poets Pub moderator for this prompt, Grace, here’s the Magic 9 format:
- *a poem in 9 lines
- *meter and line-length at discretion of poet
- *rhyme, a b a c a d a b a, with c and d=unrhymed
This seemed difficult, until I read the tip she shared to help us get started, which was to make a list of end words:
- 5 a end rhymes
- 2 b end rhymes
- 1 c end word
- 1 d end word
Weaving Together My Passions
Once I understood the formula, I wrote my workplace culture poem in ten minutes. It was easy, because striving to create and maintain a positive organizational culture where diversity is an asset and empowerment is expected and normal are passions for me. And so is poetry! I love how dVerse is contributing to my lifelong learning, and keeping me on my proverbial poetry toes.
It was fun to weave all of these things together in this new way. And as I was looking through my archives at other commentary about diversity, I found this post from 2018. It made me really happy to read it, ponder the concepts once again, and realize that this is definitely an ongoing journey.
Let me know if you have thoughts on these concepts, and if you decide to give the Magic 9 a try! And if you do, feel free to leave a link to your poem in the comments.
© 2024, Glover Gardens
Ahw I love this entire post!
Thank you, Melissa, your regard is meaningful to me.
I love the diversity of thougth as well as cultures. Glad you had fun learning and writing to this form. Wishing you a good weekend.
I did, Grace, I really did.
Regarding the weekend, we had a giant storm in the Houston area Thursday night and lots of damage (including 7 deaths), but we were blessed in that we only lost power. We still don’t have power but we have each other, and that’s all that matters. We are so sad for those less fortunate.
“a land of not-the-saming” what a perfect rendition of diversity Kim
P.S. I never think about diversity or talk about it but living for so many years in London it was natural to mix cultures etc At its unifying core though is the one belief that we are all human and none is better or greater or more worthy than another – that latter aspect I see being undermined
You are so right, Laura, there is value in every human and in the unique outlook and set of experiences we all possess. I think your last comment is sad but true, which is most likely why we need to write about it and keep it in the forefront. And finally, London is my fave city in the whole world and I envy you for having lived there. Where are you now?
in the North East of England but I return to London regularly
Every workplace should have this on the noticeboard…
Awww, that makes me feel great!
Hi Kim, This really is a wonderful poem. You have exactly captured in words how I feel about societies. I agree with you about d’Verse’s amazing and thought provoking prompts. I’m glad I found this group of poets.
Thank you so much, Robbie. Glad to be in the poet posse with you!
Hugs
Kim I agree with your poem…. and I love how you did that fourth line. I didn’t like the feel of the unrhymed lines but the way you broke it up worked brilliantly.
Oh wow, thank you for noticing that!
I appreciate your affirmation.
Kim, I love this! There is so much diversity where I live but now it is no longer a cause of celebration. Our politicians are ruining our diverse culture.