The Power of Structure and Rhythm

Poetry’s rhythms and structures hold great power.

In poetry—and specifically classical poetry—the words adhere to a structure that lends order and beauty to the poem. We live in a world created by a God of order, and I believe that order speaks to something deep within us. We can glean great satisfaction from seeing tidiness and symmetry.

The structure of a poem can help to emphasize key words. It can draw attention to specific lines. It can make clear the pattern of thought that lies disclosed in a pattern of words.

The meter of a poem makes it a delight to read aloud, makes it easy to remember, and can help to shape its mood. The solemnity of the beat may seem to pound like ominous approaching footsteps, or the rhythm may come across as playful and lilting as a nursery rhyme.

Take, for example, Alfred Tennyson’s “Charge of the Light Brigade”. (Consider reading the stanza aloud.)

Half a league, half a league,

Half a league onward,

All in the valley of Death

Rode the six hundred.

“Forward, the Light Brigade!

Charge for the guns!” he said.

Into the valley of Death

Rode the six hundred.

The rhythm in that poem feels laden with dread and horror. It brings to my heart the sense of steadily approaching, irrevocable doom. The repetition of words brings to my mind the image of a thousand hooves beating on the ground, charging forward into darkness.

Now look at this poem by the prolific poet Anonymous.

Star light, star bright,

First star I see tonight,

I wish I may, I wish I might,

Have this wish I wish tonight.

I cannot read this poem as by anything but lilting and whimsical, and the rhythm only heightens the playfulness of its tone. Here, the repetition of words brings to my mind the image of a twinkling, glittering star.

The two poems both have a clear rhythmic meter. Both repeat phrases and words to add emphasis to them. But they use their meter and their emphases to convey very different moods.

I find it fascinating how drastic a difference there is between the poems, and how wide a range of tones the structures and rhythms of poetry have the power to convey.

I find it intriguing how powerful and beautiful poetry can be. I find it breathtaking how wide the realm of poetry is, how many poems have been written, and how many emotions have been evoked using it.

I find it inspiring that no matter how many poems have been written, no matter how many times a meter has been used, there is always room for another fresh, unique poem.

(Photo credit to Jo Anaya on Unsplash)