Grande Aspirations ⁓ (a poet's longing)

Nabla Del (a type of concrete or shape poem)

Author's Note

"NABLA DEL"
an original poetic form
created by Richard W. Jenkins
© 12 Dec 2001
In the shape of an upside down (inverted) triangle, this form must be centered for full effect, but may be aligned left or right when formatting will not permit center alignment.
There is no set syllable count per line, but each descending line must be reduced by (at least) one or two letters, until there is one word at the bottom, and a smooth sided inverted triangle has been produced.
12 Lines total are required in the following order:
1 … Opening/Introduction Line
2 … Quatrains (4-Line verses)
1 … 3-Line Closing Verse (triplet)
Rhyme scheme is: x, xbxb, xcxc, xxx (x = no rhyme). But, by author's choice, there can be more rhymes, as long as the required minimum rhyme scheme is met.
Note: The Introduction line and verses are separated by a free space.
It can be a challenge … if you try it, just have fun!

Painting: A young Rembrandt Van Rijn, self-portrait, oil on panel, c.1625

All well-meant, constructive critique is welcome! : )

Reviews

[kitty]

Thank you for this wonderful piece. During my days as a promising writer I have always had in mind ways and means of making my writing more appealing by introducing different forms/styles to make my work more versatile. In reading you, the 'master' I am gradually more convinced that somehow this is possible/within reach.

[Richard 🍃]

Hello, Lady Kitty,
I is lovely seeing you today, reading and reviewing these rare verses from my old pen in the Nabla Del form.
In accommodating your desire to make your writing more appealing and versatile, I can think of no form better suited or more unique than this … within reach, surely.
What a gratifying honor it would be for a poetess of your note to compose in one of my original forms.
Please, let me know when/if you do.

Kitty, you are certainly welcome, and I thank you most warmly and gratefully for your expressive words in appreciation and enjoyment … happy hugs! ⁓ Richard : )

[emmajoy]

Amazed at the skill shown here, Richard.. and certainly not for the first time.

May I ask a question please: which came first, the words or the form? Did the one suggest a, 'I wonder if.. ..? or did the other throw itself on your mercy? There's no doubt that the form is conscientiously filled with meaningful phrases.. but.. am intrigued and wondering..

Take care, keep safe. Please

[Richard 🍃]

Thank you, Em 🎶

It's almost instinctive how a smile takes charge of my face upon seeing your name as reviewer; for, I always know I'm in for a meaningful, intelligently enjoyable treat, uniquely You … you definitely make me think.
Your question has me rather intrigued and wondering, too.

Ya know(?), I'm ever amazed at how variable poetesses' and a poets' creative bents and sources are, including my own. A form is one thing, but the workings of the mind, heart, soul, and emotion is entirely different, and to answer your question, I'll begin by saying that I created this form and particular piece over sixteen years passed, so I'd be guessing if I claimed to know the answer in any true exactness.
But, in studying it now (with your query in mind), I'd say it just created itself, and I simply went along for the ride. : )

You take good care and keep safe, too, My Dear Friend, and thank you again! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[emmajoy]

Thank you, Richard.. not sure I actually have the answer I was looking for, especially as its origin goes back a few years. My thought was that you found self looking at a shape of words, loosely an inverted triangle and suddenly though, 'I wonder!' Obviously my mind is weirder than yours. No comment, please!
Will have a go perhaps - when nobody's looking.

'Til whenever, take care of yourself, keep safe, take care.. and, many thank yous. Em

[Richard 🍃]

In looking back through my old spiral notebook I ran across my original Nabla Del form and poem, as-well-as this one. I took a snapshot of each page and will message them to you in hopes this will help to better answer your question, but it would appear the poem's shape took place before the form's name "Nabla Del" was born.

[emmajoy]

Many thanks for doing that, Richard, how very thoughtful. Anything that helps me understand, even if can't do it, helps to un-befuddle me. Will read it all over later, not long home, then, get back to you as soon as possible. :)

[S.zaynab.kamoonpury]

I love shape poems and I'm admiring this one as I find them esp difficult. I thought I saw this form employed by someone else. It's a fab poem you created and how you say you yearn the wondrous dreams but are a simple guy, that is relatable to me too somewhat as I love meekness. Kudos!!

plz pleez do read and comment my newest poem too. I like to know poets thoughts.

[Richard 🍃]

Hi, Dear Zaynab 🌾

It is wonderful to find your name under one of my humble little poetic efforts, leaving such kindly generous words of enjoyment and appreciation.
Yes, you did see this form composed by Einstein Noodle (Gene), who did a rather noteworthy job with his "Swamp Lilly". 😊
https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/rlGt2mAk3/2313825/
Thank you ever-so warmly for loving this little piece and my meekness … it means so very much to me.

Of course, I'll stop by to see you, Zaynab; I've been planning on doing just that!
Thank you sincerely for your most lovely review, too! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Jinx Bane]

Hello Richard,
Yet another wonderful work of art created by you. Beautiful transitions from line to line. I especially enjoy, "I'm naught but a plain and simple man..." emphasizes how extraordinary your mind and spirit are. A clever shape your writing takes, I'm sure required a lot of patience and time. A true inspiration to all writers out there. from your mature word usage to the presentation, you never seem to slack. Keep being amazing.
~ Midnight Thought, Jinx.

[Richard 🍃]

Hello, yourself, Jinx 🌸

I hope you've been enjoying the site and making many new friends and followers, too.
I've been reading and enjoying your excellent poetry, now to find adequate time to review them in the way they deserve.
Goodness! You sure know how to conduct a full-on, meaningful, insightful, and sooo very-very much appreciated review, and your closing leaves such lovely poetic warmth … it is nice to be seen deeply, as you so naturally seem to.

What a stunning commentary you've gifted this rather unique poem, Jinx … I thank you dearly for sharing your warmly knowing insights! ⁓ Richard 🍃

BTW, you missed my review of your wonderfully rendered poem, "Until Now:". https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/Jinx_1st/2177279/ 😏

[Betty Hermelee]

Richard: I love the visual in this form ( but I wouldn't dare an attempt myself ....Lovely words and images you have put forth, whether you are just a simple poet or not ( you are very complex)...your goal: to strive beyond best is plainly seen here ...and I like the way you asked for many readings....Excellent work!

[Richard 🍃]

Hi, Betty Dear 🌺

Thank you truly. It is so very nice to see you today and to receive such graciously warm, inspiring accolades and expressions of appreciation for this rather unique little Shape/Concrete poem … I am thrilled to know you love anything about it.
As for trying it, yourself: Einstein Noodle (Gene) did a rather noteworthy job in this form with his "Swamp Lilly", which might inspire you to try it. 😊 Check it out at:
https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/rlGt2mAk3/2313825/

Dear Lady Betty, your comments on my simplicity and complexity are spot-on; as-well, my goal being to strive beyond best is also true … not many see me in that way (or, tell me if they do), and I most humbly and gratefully appreciate your shared sentiments … with my warmest, most sincere hug! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[barleygirl]

Only YOU could write a poem like this. Most of us are throttled by a more modest self-assessment! I hate to even ask someone to read me once, let alone command them to "sit back for a while & read me again"!!!! Such audacity!!!! And you probably think I'm the audacious one (of us two)! *wink! wink!* Your form & execution does come across as perfection, however! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Richard 🍃]

Hi, Dear Margie 🌾

You always have something interesting to offer in your reviews, and I am ever grateful for your presence upon my pages. Your insightful words on the content of this piece gift a fond smile to an olde bard's lips, inspiring considerations I'd not heretofore applied to myself. However, after mulling it over, I suppose I can appear to be a bit audacious to some; though, you are the first who's ever been audaciously kind enough to tell me … LOL!
Thank you truly, Lady Margie, for finding enough suitable virtue in this wee artistic effort to offer such gracious praise, as-well … it means a lot to me.

May your days be spent in grateful wonderment for the beauty all around you in your endlessly enchanting world … warmest hugs 'n smiles, M'Dear Friend! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Helena]

Richard, hi! Cool verse, loved it. Very well written and attractive to the eye.

~Helena~

[Richard 🍃]

Hi back, Dear Helena 🥀
Thank you ever-so warmly and gratefully … happy hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[R.E. Ray]

Richard, your humility shines through in this poem. And, you're a master poet. Aren't most of the best dismissive or hushed about their own talents? Grand aspirations realized, I'd say. The form is remarkable, the last verse like a period at the end of the best written sentence on the last page of a classic novel. I bow to you, sir.

[Richard 🍃]

My fine poet friend, R.E. 🍁

Thank you ever-so gratefully for gracing this humble effort with such an eloquent review … your description of the form/shape is most elegantly laid.
I could not have wished for more gratifying plaudits in expressions of appreciation, inspiration, and praise to this rather uniquely original form, as-well-as to, I, the truly thankful olde bard.

Coming from one so accomplished as yourself, this means more than mere words to an always hopeful writer.
Many blessings, My Friend … your respectful bow likewise returned! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[R.E. Ray]

You're welcome, Richard. You're a pleasure to read and an inspiration.

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahahaha ... judge me sins and read me ag'in :))))))))) nice sense of humor Richard. Looks to be a challenging form.... you certainly have a penchant for creating them ... the title and shape speak to me right away ... as ones aspirations may meet with obstacles and failures they sometimes peter out to one word and.........nothing .. this very personal poem to all here at the Cafe' and beyond is touching .. you bring unique, creative, thoughtful, honest poetry and I am sure many are sending your closing Love to all ... back at ya brother. in lieu of your book being completed this makes all the sense in the world .. best of good fortune always Richard
E.

[Richard 🍃]

Ah, Gene, My Dear Friend 🍂

No one writes excellent reviews quite like yours … an author never has to wonder if they're understood, appreciated, enjoyed, made mistakes or done it just right, etc; and if value is found in their earnest efforts.
I am always grateful for your keen observations and keen, knowing eye.
True, this is a rather challenging form to master, but Roland Petrov has made very notable effort to: "Stay Home" https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/rolandpetrov/2176962/
I'd love it if you gave it a try. I know you'd do a brilliant piece … the result would be fun and well worth your effort.

Thank you, My Friend, for a great review, and for being You! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Einstein Noodle]

oh my goodness .. you know i am lazy right?! ;) i appreciate the challenge tho ... i've been quite uninspired for weeks ... a few things rumbling about the nog ... maybe your form is just the ticket to getting them out :) best of the day to ya sir!

[Just Kim]

Wow, what a wonderful form here, This is one amazing piece, love the pic as well

[Richard 🍃]

Thank you, Lady Kym

That you "love" anything about my humble little poetic efforts means so much to me.

Your praise and expressed joy are like soft caresses … warmest hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Aurora]

Woah!!! I love this shape-poetry, this is some new kind of art, also you can say a more linked work with art and poetry. Loved this poetry, well I have one in the shape of a 'wave', you can check here- https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/MC23/2163209/ . I'd love a nice review :) *smiles*

[Richard 🍃]

Hi, Lady Aurora 🌈

Thank you ever-so warmly and gratefully for such a lovely, appreciative review … you've made me very happy to know I've pleased you so well and that you "love" anything about this unique piece. : )

Yes, M'Dear, I'll be by to check out your "wave".
Big hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍃