tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Wed Jun 29 03:42:25 1994
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Why Klingon Poetry Doesn't Have To Rhyme
Poetry is defined by rhythm and patterns. While rhyming is the most
commonly recognized poetry pattern, it is not the only one. A famous
example of non-rhyming is the 5-7-5 syllable pattern of Haiku. Other
poetry patterns can be in the meanings of the words. "The Highwayman" is
a good example. I can't remember the lines exactly, but it goes something
like, "She combs her hair by moonlight, <something else> by moonlight, she
waits for him by moonlight..." But the word pattern "By moonlight"
creates a large rhythmic flow. And, this poem had rhyme and meter also.
Due to the limited phenomic combinations, it is most difficult to write
feel-good poetry and have it rhyme. However, to create specific rhythms
in syllables, (Obj.2syl, vrb.3syl, sub.2syl) or in alliteration
(DujDajDaq), I believe, is a better form for klingon poetry than rhyming.
Gimme some time, and I'll write some nice-flowing poetry.
------------------------
Heidi Wessman
(kka Ael t'Arrilaiu, Klingon Studies Major)