Whittled Words – Chant Poem
Welcome to the weekly series, Whittled Words. A series highlighting the innumerable types and styles of poetry to challenge any creative wordsmith. This week’s selection:
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CHANT POEM
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The chant poem is about as old as poetry itself. In fact, it may be the first form poetry took. Chant poems simply incorporate repetitive lines that form a sort of chant. Each line can repeat, or every other line. It is easy to find many poetic forms that incorporate chanting with the use of a refrain. However, a chant poem is a little more methodical than a triolet or rondeau.
I have attempted to provide examples that stick closely to the intent of the form. Although I found no hard and fast rules for the form, I believe that some adherence to a repeated rhythmic meter, along with precise rhyming schemes dramatically adds to the delivery having the tone and timbre of a spoken chant.
Examples of Chant Poems:
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SANTA CLARA
By Robert Lee Brewer
He can see all the birds lift from the grass;
there’s another missing child on the radio.
The trees appear to be covered in glass;
there’s another missing child on the radio.
He knows the many shades of wrong and right;
there’s another missing child on the radio.
If there’s a city waiting in the night,
there’s another missing child on the radio.
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HOPE (IS IN THE HEART OF ALL)
By Kristina Johansson
Hope is in the heart of all
Who keep their fire shining bright
Hope is in the heart of all
Who keep their life a great delight
Hope is in the heart of all
Who keep their spirits going well
Hope is in the heart of all
With charisma there to tell
Hope is in the heart of all
With smiles upon their face
Hope is in the heart of all
Who say that saving grace
Hope is in the heart of all
Who bounce back from the grave
Hope is in the heart of all
Who get out and show they’re brave
Hope is in the heart of all
Who get through all that strife
Hope is in the heart of all
Who live a happy life
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BE NOT BLIND
By Brad Osborne
How can you not see
With the sight given thee
The death of every tree
How can you not see
With the sight given thee
The cost to humanity
How can you not see
With the sight given thee
The need for all to breathe
How can you not see
With the sight given thee
That hate a travesty
How can you not see
With the sight given thee
How the heart does bleed
How can you not see
With the sight given thee
The hungry we can feed
How can you not see
With the sight given thee
The soul can soar when free
How can you not see
With the sight given thee
That ‘we’ replaces ‘me’
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I hope you have enjoyed this entry to the series, Whittled Words. I look forward to your comments, and if you dare, maybe share your own Chant poem. Thanks for reading!
Your last line –
Thank you Beth! I was hoping for that effect.
Wonderful, a brilliant example you’ve created for this very ancient poetic form! Great work my friend!
Thanks, F!
My pleasure my friend!
Beautiful! You have such a way with endings!!
Thank you Kristian!
I like this style of this poem, but even more I like the message you convey in your words. And such a powerful ending. Well done, Brad!
Thanks Q!
You just hit a walk-off grand slam, Brad. Drop the mic!
Thanks Pete!