Udit Bhatia invented cascade poetry in 2007. This relatively new style of poetry got its name because it should flow down the page in a waterfall effect. The poem’s structure is simple and relies on the refrain to create the cascading rhythm. The magic of these poems centers around the refrain. The unmetered poems vary in theme depending on the poet’s desire. The only rule used when writing a cascade is that all the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends of every stanza that follows. I will call this cascade poem A Glimpse at my Circus.
Structure of a cascade poem and A Glimpse at my Circus
The first stanza has three lines.
- The lines are represented as ABC.
- The first line ends with line A.
- The second line ends with Line B.
- The third line ends with line C.
I had written this form of poetry before and had fun with it. I plan to start the month of March using this style. The length of the stanza can vary. There is no rule about sticking to three lines. The thing to remember is that the longer the stanza, the more complicated the poem.
A Glimpse at my Circus Things are complicated in times like these. There is nowhere to run from this circus And the clowns have taken over the show The elephants have learned to dance The two-step across the gymnasium floor I Need Cool Jazz on a Monday There is a need for a warm steady breeze To warm a lion’s cold and bloody heart The bearded lady would like to know Why things spun so out of control when All she wanted from the gig was a little romance Things are complicated in times like these. The ringmaster is making such a fuss Because the trapeze artist wants a raise And there isn’t money coming in at the door For the clumsy act to thrive and grow The monkeys want to run free range The clowns have taken over the show I don’t think there will be a second chance For me to make my timely escape The fat lady wants to wear a giant pink bow To accentuate her enormous derriere I don’t want to work here anymore. The elephants have learned to dance. The lion tamer hasn’t done much taming before The sword swallower has sores in his mouth Life in this circus seems so unfair To a carney setting up the rides The illustrated man decided to do The two-step across the gymnasium floor Some situations in life never pay, No matter how clever you make the clown. He can only juggle so many pins Even if the fortune teller gives a hard stare. There is only thing to ease the pain I Need Cool Jazz on a Monday.
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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Wwoww. Genuinely brilliant.
TBhank you.