The Poetry of LOTR...sort of

Post by **axordil** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 1:39 pm

The writers' group I hang with came up (and we're not the first) with the idea of Epic Haiku--condensing an Epic Poem into one 5-7-5 (or so) verse. We also decided limericks were permissible alternatives.

We weren't even drinking at the time, honest.

My entry:

Dante descended
Through sinners concentrically,
Till he saw the sky

Now, you can probably guess where I'm going with this...

One rule: you may not begin a limerick with any variation on the line:

There once was a hobbit named xxx

Because I said so.

Bonus points for incorporating features of classic haiku (cutting words et al).

Chains of three verses for LOTR would be fine too.

Post by **Crucifer** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 6:55 pm

A long time ago, in the Shire,
There was a young hobbit for 'hire'.
With dwarves and a wizard,
Armed up to the gizzard,
He stole from a wyrm who breathed fire.

A bit stunted, and not technically LotR itself, but a welcome distraction from my dissertation. :p

Post by **axordil** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 8:52 pm

Verses on The Hobbit are acceptable, so long as they are free-standing.

Post by **Inanna** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 9:30 pm

Where's Brian? So up his street....

Post by **Holbytla** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 10:20 pm

Where's Brian Smiling

Purportedly up a street
Would that he were here

Post by **Inanna** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 10:59 pm

There was a man named Holby
Who wanted to be a Hobbit
But he wasn't that short
So he was despair-wrought

And I didn;t break your rule, Ax.

Post by **ToshoftheWuffingas** » Mon Oct 18, 2010 5:49 pm

Actually Tolkien's own Ring verse is a pretty succinct summary of the theme, especially the last couplet.

Step on weary step
towards pitiful failure:
pitiful triumph.

The Wise used their thought but were bought
The brave built their fort but were caught
But the folk from the Shire
outmatched those much higher
In short, sans the short they were naught

Post by **axordil** » Mon Oct 18, 2010 6:40 pm

Mahima and Tosh

I guess I'd better work on my own now!

Post by **Ghân-buri-Ghân** » Sun Oct 24, 2010 9:27 pm

Apologies for any poetic transgression, and I am aware this is rather silly, but it is mine own...

The tale of the porcelain elf

Was of confidence lacking in self

Tortured by doubt

She wouldn't go out

And ended up left on the shelf...

Post by **Holbytla** » Sun Oct 24, 2010 11:14 pm

Spilling light Two Trees
A blending of radiance
Morgoth ruined them

Mon Oct 25, 2010 12:04 am

I like that, Holby.

Post by **Holbytla** » Mon Oct 25, 2010 1:37 am

Why thankee, but it is short of the mark and a whole lotta nonsense.

Mon Oct 25, 2010 1:41 am

Which, of course, puts you in pretty darn good company.

(Just ask yov.)

Post by **axordil** » Tue Oct 26, 2010 1:26 pm

I had not included The Sil--my bad!

Post by **WampusCat** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 10:04 am

Trudging without hope
Weak yet bearing all power
Hobbits face their Doom

Post by **Inanna** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 1:08 pm

I am the One Ring
Powerful and all-being
Should I want my master?

Post by **axordil** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 2:30 pm

There we go!

Here's a Túrin one:

Orcs, like falling leaves
Flee before Turambar's wrath
Coiled, Glaurung waits

Post by **yovargas** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 4:30 pm

Mahima wrote:I am the One Ring
Powerful and all-being
Should I want my master?

May I make one small suggested change?

I am the One Ring
Powerful and all-being
I can has master?

Post by **axordil** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 6:43 pm

yovargas wrote:
Mahima wrote:I am the One Ring
Powerful and all-being
Should I want my master?
May I make one small suggested change?

I am the One Ring
Powerful and all-being
I can has master?

Only if you Photoshop a LOLCATS poster for it.

Post by **Elentári** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 6:50 pm

Can I has run-on?

Noldor White Lady,
pale and dark haired, the huntress
shall become ensnared