Grande Aspirations ⁓ (a poet's longing)

Nabla Del (a type of concrete or shape poem)

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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

[Roth Jordain]

Hi Richard,
I am a new member who received your name from Chris on one of my reviews and Wow! [a word I rarely use] this poem came up at the top of your list when I typed your name into the Search box. I think it is a very creative poem displayed in one of the most unique and beautiful layouts I have ever seen.
I read that it is your original form and looks way too difficult for me to try but regardless I am amazed by your poetic artistry, I truly appreciate understand and relate to your rhyming message too.

Thank you sincerely Richard for sharing this outstanding work,
Roth

An aside:
Chris said one of my poems is a 'classic style' and said you could explain what that means, if you can please? The poem is the POET.

[Richard🖌]

Greetings, New Member! 🤜✫🤛

What a pleasure it is to receive such an appreciative and generously favorable review for this humble little work of unique originality … I must remember to thank Chris for sending you over to my place. : )
She is quite the highly regarded, sought after masterful poetess, in her own right.
Thank you ever-so much, Roth, for blessing one of my earnest efforts with your positive and encouraging words in review.

A big WELCOME to the Café … may your prosperous days here be many and your joys as equally rewarding! ⁓ Richard🖌


On your aside:
I read your "the POET" poem (which I'll review soon) and Chris' comment on "classical style" as-well.
Basically, I think what she's referring to is your Quatrain verses composed in a set rhyme scheme, but she could have told you that … she can be quite modest, me thinks. ; )

[Roth Jordain]

Thank you Richard,
Your help is highly regarded and greatly appreciated. I have written poetry and short stories for about twenty five years [i am 40 now] and joined a couple of other poetry sites before coming here and learned a lot about composition, a few forms and how to present them artistically but never heard of the 'classical style'.
A question please? Is there a way you know of to shut off so many ads here?

Thank you again Richard for your help,
Roth

[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 🍃

[.]

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 🍃

[Roland Petrov]

Reminds me of the Diminished Hexaverse (I think it was you who introduced me to it), but here you have achieved very smooth lines. Impressive! I will attempt it, but this one has be doubting my abilities. I doubt you have sinned, by the way; maybe a crime or two? I have posted a gogyohko, but is it successful?

[Richard🖌]

Yes, it is similar in shape to the more extended Diminished Hexaverse, Roland … good eye and memory!

I think I did introduce you to the DH form (tho, mine was a Diminished Decaverse) Re; my poem and your review from 2016: https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/RichardJ/1551264/
Your DH and my review: https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/rolandpetrov/1553533/

Hah! Roland, I've scant doubt you'll make your Nabla Del sing and dance, just the ways you have every form I've challenged you with.
BTW, I have stumbled and strayed a few times on the straight and narrow path. ; )

Thanks a bushel for your inspiringly appreciated words in review, My Fine Friend! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[sandra]

This is great! Thank you for the helpful information! I am going to try. Keeping to form is difficult for me. You do it so well. I do like the challenge of it.

[Richard🖌]

Ohhh-MY, Sandra! 😳

That you would give one of my original forms a try makes my heart skip a beat and my lips smile warmly.

Thank you for your lovely praise … I feel certain you'll do it exemplarily, Dear Poetess! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Rye]

this is just awesome, love the form and the second to last stanza, love that part. awesome write

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so warmly and gratefully, Dear Ryanna 🌈

Because you love anything about my poetry sweeps me away, and twice is sigh-worthy to an olde bard's ear and heart.

Bless you with a hundred happy hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Cherrie Palmer]

Richard, I love it, I really like when the writer includes the reader as part of the poem, it gives an interesting vibe and it is most enchanting. But work always is a comfort and delight.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Cherrie Dear 🍒

That you "love" anything about my humble little efforts enthralls my senses no end.

Bless you and hug you warmly 'n true! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Dee Oddbins]

thought this was great, really liked the format, the Nabla del like poured concrete

[Richard🖌]

Thank you so much.

[Dee Oddbins]

you are welcome

[Intothemilkyway]

Very interesting poem. He knows he is great and he knows that his work is so too. A grande poet indeed.
Even if someone doesn't like his work he still loves them and continues to write for the ones that love him.

[Richard🖌]

That is sooo very beautiful, M'Lady!

One of the nicest, sweetest things anyone has ever said to me … sighhh!

Thank you ever-so warmly … hugs to You! ⁓ Richard 🍃