The Emily Dickinson Contest  July 23, 2007 - September 23, 2007

Emily Dickinson had a way with words. She could pack the universe into one word most of the time. (Wish I was Emily)

Anyway, Emily used one particular form: 4 beats followed by 3 beats. This was often in two stanzas with four lines per stanza. This is what we will be doing in this contest. It can be longer if you like, 5 or 6 stanzas or even more.



Your mission, if you choose to accept:

1. Use your own content
2. Write 4 beats (not 4 syllables, beats) in the first line.
3. Write 3 beats in the second line.
4. Write 4 beats in the third line.
5. Write 3 beats in the forth line.
(This will be your first stanza)
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5.
(This will be your second stanza)
7. At this point you will be done.

Now get to work.

If you need help just humm the tune of "The Yellow Rose of Texas"

It's 1 and 2 and 3 and 4

Then 1 and 2 and 3.

And 1 and 2 and 3 and 4

Then 1 and 2 and 3.

Also, read as much Emily Dickinson as you can, because this style can become a bit childish. (like mine) Emily could do it, though, where these things became immortal.

Here is an example: Eden Is That Old-fashioned House
Emily Dickinson
1657

Eden is that old-fashioned House
We dwell in every day
Without suspecting our abode
Until we drive away.

How fair on looking back, the Day
We sauntered from the Door�
Unconscious our returning,
But discover it no more.

Terryg

Lawton, OK

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Created Jul 24, 2007