LesleyScoble.com

The Waltz Wave Poetry Form

Leo Waltz, of the independent art and writing magazine, Sol, created the new poetry pattern. I suppose one might say he put his ‘Art and Sol’ into it (forgive me, but I enjoy the occasional pun).

What is a Waltz Wave Poem?

Click here for details and info on the waltz wave poetry form

What is a Waltz Wave Poem? It is a single stanza poem of 19 lines, with each line having a set number of syllables. The syllabic pattern is: 1/2/1/2/3/2/1/2/3/4/3/2/1/2/3/2/1/2/1. 

With the lines being so short, they make the poem form a long, slender, vertical shape. Like a narrow, slow-flowing stream. This form lends itself to best expressing a calm, trickling cascade… 

In a waltzing wave, perhaps? 

The longest line has only four syllables. The form permits the splitting of syllables, carrying them into the next line to fit the pattern. With intention, in my poem I allow the suffix ing to split and tumble away from its word. I want the sense of fizzy Champagne pouring out and down into a tinkling glass. I also like to think that by separating the ‘ing’ from the verb, it is a nod to the Old English noun ‘Ing’ (plural ings), meaning a meadow. It is especially a low-lying meadow or marshland near a river. Anyone who visits the beautiful Nature Reserve at Fairburn Ings, Yorkshire, will know what the word means.

Ever since I read an impressive waltz wave form poem written by poet David Bogomolny, I’ve wanted to have a go at writing one.

I hope you enjoy my first waltz wave poem Fizzy Ing.
I use the form to suggest the bubbly flow of Champagne from a bottle into a glass. By separating the suffixes ing I try to make the words flow downwards. Also, I like to hint at the solo noun meaning a water meadow… (perhaps I long to find a Champagne meadow?)—Oh, wouldn’t that be fun?

Pouring Champagne | image: Lesley Scoble

My poem Fizzy Ing is about the effervescent flow of Champagne from the bottle.

Fizzy Ing

Pop 
the cork
pour
Champagne 
in a glass 
fizzy 
ing 
dizzy
ing tinkle 
ing water-fall 
ing cascades
bubbly
ing  
sparkling  
effervesce 
ing dance
ing
happy
ness
~

Lesley Scoble   January 2023

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I wrote my poem Fizzy Ing in response to the #daily word prompt, Ragtag Daily Prompt. My thanks to RDP Monday: Fizzy for inspiring me to write my first Waltz Wave poem.

Always have a bottle of Fizzy in the fridge!

I worked with a TV producer who told me she never was without a bottle of Champagne in her fridge, even when she was without work. It was there to remind her there was something in the future she would need it for. It was hope and anticipation in a bottle.

May your fridge always have a bottle of fizzy in it, ready to pop the cork and celebrate!

Cheers! 🍾

Lesley lives in the City of London Square Mile. An artist, actor and sculptor (her first ceramic sculpture won the V&A inspired by… Award). Scenic artist & book illustrator, playwright (her musical play, Rapscallion performed in inner city schools and theatre school); TV dancer; Animator and illustrator for TV production. Set up Pinecone Studios Ltd and IIMSI Ltd drama and filmmaking workshops in London – producing award-winning films made by children.