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This is an example of what i call 'formula' poetry. In this case it is a Rondeau. If i remember correctly there is more than one type of Rondeau.
This one has a strict pattern of 8 syllables per line. With the first 4 syllable refrain, repeated in a specific pattern. The number of lines in each stanza is also dictated by the form, as is the rhyme scheme.

It is kinda of a silly thing, but a decent example of how operating within a strict set of rules when creating poetry changes Everything:

BAKER'S RONDEAU

Kneading that bread! Wanting it worse!
Flouring dough and getting perverse
Warm. Soft. Oozing…Powder its butt
Folding it open. Slam it shut!….
Noiseless, like a mime in rehearse.

Enemy time and dough coerce
Urging my stomach to converse
Squeaking pleas arise from my gut
Kneading that bread!

Why do I crave stuff so adverse?
Plate for my jam--Hurry! I curse.
Rise up to change, loathe not the cut
Inhale deeply, appease my glut
Hot mouth of stove you'll soon immerse
Kneading that bread!


Regards,
Laurie

I won't forget this deliberate and almost vicious attack "Harry, I curse". I have done nothing to deserve that.

Hmmm, since You place yourself into my poem in lieu of bread dough...the part about powdering your arse doesn't raise your wrath? Interesting.
Laurie

Nice piece, Laurie and on a similar theme to Andrew's. A well done piece of poetry.
Georges

George~

on a similar theme to Andrew's

Very astute. That one went totally over my head. It does have the 'bread' and 'jam' thing going on....

Actually the reason i posted it here is because someone asked privately about formula poetry. I thought i'd share this olde thing as an example. Just by coincidence (if you believe in that) it does share tasty qualities...

toodles,
Laurie p.s. Thanks!

Nice piece, Laurie.
Georges

Hi Laurie ~

I like how playful you got with it [keeping yourself within its guidelines] .

~ Lizz

Hey Laurie- That was very cool. I love the humor.
Formula writing is damn hard! Arggg! My recent attempts have made me want to light myself on fire!

Lizz~

Thanks. The "guidelines" are an integral part of the creativity. Kind of like forcing you to think a square peg into a round hole at times.


Ep~

Damn straight they are tough! A word puzzle where you provide the clues and answers, but can't scribble outside the box.
I think when I starting playing around with formulas, is when i got my Thessaurus and Rhyming Dictionary

Historically, many of these form types originate from Italy or France. I remember reading (regarding Italy specifically) that their language is MUCH easier to rhyme than ours (english). So we have to try that much harder...maybe this explains in part the free verse embrace we are in?!?

Cheers,
Laurie

LaurieAK wrote: Historically, many of these form types originate from Italy or France. I remember reading (regarding Italy specifically) that their language is MUCH easier to rhyme than ours (english). So we have to try that much harder...maybe this explains in part the free verse embrace we are in?!?

Laurie- I am not sure if I have embraced free-verse or if I am holding on for dear life!

I am not sure if I have embraced free-verse or if I am holding on for dear life

Laugh out loud funny, ep!

Laurie