It’s time for me to make a switch. The winter month is dragging on, and I wanted to switch things up a bit. I came across the Bop Poetry style and thought it sounded interesting. Afaa Michael Weaver created this style at an African American poetry retreat at Cave Canem. I love the simplicity of this style of verse because the rules are very simple. There is no thyme structure, and the stanzas are unmetered. I call this Bop Poem A Mother’s Broken Heart.
The simple rules of Bop Poetry and A Mother’s Broken Heart
The poem is three stanzas long.
The first stanza is six lines long and lays out a problem.
The second stanza is eight lines long and explores or expands the problem.
The third stanza is six lines long and gives a solution or failed attempt at resolution of the problem,
There is a short refrain between the stanzas.
I think this style will be fun to explore. You are welcome to join me while I explore this poetic style. I’m not certain if I can pull off this switch. It is challenging to come up with a new poem every day. I hope you have as much fun reading these attempts as I am writing them.
A Mother’s Broken Heart I thought we were past All your explosive rage Adult temper tantrums That seems to last, For hours and hours And all your manipulation. You slammed the car door and yelled, “I don’t need you. I only wish that was true. You stab my mother’s heart And make it bleed. You know just what to say. Words for daggers You always hit your mark The spot where you know it will hurt Thrown like darts in a bar room Carelessly aimed to meet your need. You slammed the car door and yelled, “I don’t need you. I only wish that was true. I guess I could pretend you were dead to me. Lord, knows I’ve grieved so many times. But it would be like walking Over an empty grave. Then you tell me you lost your meds Problem solved there is a resurrection. You slammed the car door and yelled, “I don’t need you. I only wish that was true.
Who is Molly Shea?
Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh. To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.
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A heartbreaking poem, Molly. This is an interesting form and I like the refrain that says so much about the stanza’s. Thanks for sharing the form and the beautiful results.
Thank you for reading.
I’m so sorry, dear heart.
Thank you.
This would definitely hurt! great poem Molly