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 Reading Salinger.
Structure of a cascade poem and Reading Salinger
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.
Reading Salinger The wind’s voice howls outside my door Freshly baked bread aroma in the air Cool Coltrane jazz playing on the radio, While I read Salinger on a cold winter night. The chill settles down into my core And I have been here so many times before, These old bones shouldn’t care. The wind’s voice howls outside my door. This late winter snow seems so unfair A wonderful moment to sometimes share A tasty meal and warm fire glow Freshly baked bread aroma in the air. I can’t think of a better time for it to snow There is nowhere better for me to go I might as well not put up a fight Cool Coltrane jazz playing on the radio. This time at home is my delight Tender moments when dreams take flight Soaring to a place where I’d never go While I read Salinger on a cold winter night.
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I like how this one moves. It has a smooth vibe to it.
Thank you.