To step into the used book store
and breathe in that bewitching scent
I know my paycheck’s all but spent.
Perhaps I’m just an old book whore
but urgently they call to me
insatiably, I must have more.
Not safe and not expedient,
to step into the used book store.
This is written in the form called Octain, created by Luke Prater. It has a rhyme scheme of
A-b-b a-c/c-a b-A, with the 'A' meaning that line is repeated, and the 'c/c' being a line with internal rhyme. Also each line has 8 syllables, ideally iambic tetrameter. The photo is from Magpie Taleshttp://magpietales.blogspot.com/2011/05/mag-66.html (#66) where Tess Kincade gives a weekly writing prompt. Thank you both.
That's an interesting form hosting a very good poem.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely Octain for sure Mary!
ReplyDeleteI just loved your expression here.. :)
Hugs xox
In this small city I live in there must be at least ten used bookstores .... they are as you describe them.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully composed.
Yes, it is intersting, for me it was the rhythm. My reaction was similar to that I feel when I read the third (last) line of a haiku. There is a shock of incomplete metre. But in this form, that is all balanced out in the last two line stanza.
ReplyDeleteah yes, there is a used bookstore nearby that will run me broke, but i love it so...
ReplyDeleteI guess I am a whore too! LOL I love going to thrift stores for books as well.
ReplyDeleteDoctor & Olivia - thank you muchly
ReplyDeleteHelen - You are sooo lucky! And thanks.
Stafford - There is a more complete explanation of the form at One Stop Poetry.
Brian & Kristen - It sounds like we all have that in common :o)
I much prefer second hand book shops, I love the musty smell of books. Lovely piece, Mary.
ReplyDeleteBrigid - Me too; thank you.
ReplyDeleteI, too, love the smell of old books, the magic of stepping into a bookstore, the anticipation of what story will I escape into next. I surely am a "book whore" right along with you! Love this in Octain format, and the descriptiveness of your poem. Nicely done!!
ReplyDeleteGinny - Thanks so much! It really is magic, isn't it?
ReplyDeletePersonally I don't like to confine myself to particular forms. But your poem suits admirably.
ReplyDeleteI love writing to a set form, and your poem's a corker!
ReplyDeleteLucy - the forms help me when my muse is shy. It's maybe a crutch of sorts. Thanks for the thumbs up.
ReplyDeleteJinksy - heheh, thanks. Care to give the form a try? You can do iambs or just 8 beats per line if that works better for you. If you google 'One Stop Poetry' and 'octain' there is a more complete description.
Hi Mary~ Having read about the very intricate octain, I admire all the more the prosody of your verse. You've evoked that delicious passion of stepping into a used book store with that familiar smell and that need to buy so many luscious books. Brava!
ReplyDeleteMargaret - Thank you so much, and thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeletebeautiful ..
ReplyDeletethe first stanza instantly impressive.
Thank you Jingle!
ReplyDeleteWonderful read because I can identify and fascinating explanation because I've just learned something new. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThat's really good! A clever format indeed. A bit like dance steps...(which I never get the hang of!).
ReplyDeleteBee - Thank you, seems there are a lot of book lovers here.
ReplyDeleteLena - Thanks, I like the dance analogy! Give it a try, it's not so bad :o)
I must be the only one that followed your facebook prompt...I so fricking love used book stores the smell is why I to this day don't own a digital reader...
ReplyDeleteGood poem, and very close to my heart!
Wander