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 Losing my Cool.
Structure of a cascade poem and Losing my Cool
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.
Losing my Cool I am losing my cool as I age Walking in small steps is lame It’s hard to keep up when you lag behind The war between opposing generations for cool I remember when rock-n-roll was all the rage The Rolling Stones gathered no moss. Led Zeppelin sang about stairways I am losing my cool as I age These days nothing is the same Everything cost a pretty penny And people worship their phone Walking in small steps is lame I remember when we tried to expand our mind In search of a particle of truth But I guess we never trusted anyone over thirty It’s hard to keep up when you lag behind There is a simple unwritten rule. The more things change the more they stay the same We fight a battle for the supremacy of the age The war between opposing generations for cool
Who is Molly Shea?
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That reminds me of that quote from the Simpsons.
I’m young, but that’s why I don’t chase arbitrary fads and youth because all it’ll do is make me upset about the past and not prepare for my future. (I know people who are upset because they turned 20 and they no longer can be a dumb, worthless teen with no responsibilities).
I don’t believe anyone alive at 45 dies mentally at 45 or stops being able to learn unless they have a disability. The Rolling Stones might be “old” but it doesn’t mean they’re not cool.
Do you need everyone to feel you and like what you like so you’ll be cool? Does it really matter? Especially losing yourself and your dignity because you’re not young and hip or whatever.
Good thoughts. Thank you for sharing.
No, thank you! I always enjoy your poetry.☺️
Thank you.
I think you’re cool, Molly <3
But then again… I'm no authority! 😉
~David
Thank you. Cool is all in the eye of the beholder.
I don’t know about you, but I’m finding it a distinct relief not to worry about being hep any more ~ life on the sidelines is more restful, doncha think? Great poem, though, and great title for it 👏👏
You have a valid point.
Being cool is overrated! Keep being you Molly.
It is over rated , and thank you for reading.
Thank you. As you can tell, Rooster and i did al ot of taxes.
LOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!