Poetic Meter

Meter is the pattern of syllables used in poetry, including the number, stressed, and unstressed syllables in each line, and the patterns that are used in multiple lines. For notation's sake, I use a dash for unstressed syllables (-) and a carat for emphasized ones (^). So, "- ^ -" means, " dah-DUM-dah," like "consider" or "in fashion."

The line, "they have seen the policeman's holster" would have the notation, "- - ^ - - ^ - ^ -".

A "foot" is the smallest repeating pattern in a line, so five feet of " - ^ " (called an iambic foot) would look like this: - ^ - ^ - ^ - ^ - ^

Example:

"the pitch will soon be coming to the plate"

Five iambic feet is called "iambic pentameter" and is a meter I use often. Just four iambic feet in a line is called "iambic tetrameter", and you can trade off in a stanza, making odd lines pentameter and even lines tetrameter, for example.

It is also acceptable to vary by a syllable if it makes the poem smoother to read, or is necessary in projecting emotion, but I strive for perfect meter, taking it as a personal challenge.

Just remember that once you start a meter pattern, you must keep that pattern throughout, unless a particular form requires a change. There are forms, such as haiku, that are meter independent, so maintaining a meter is not only difficult, but undesirable.

Interestingly, some of the best unrhymed poetry still uses meter for rhythm and flow.

The following are the most common types of meter:

iamb - one unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable ( - ^ )
trochee - one stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable ( ^ - )
dactyl - one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables ( ^ - - )
anapest - two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable ( - - ^ )
spondee - two stressed syllables together ( ^ ^ )

The number of metrical feet in a line are named as follows:

dimeter - two feet
trimeter - three feet
tetrameter - four feet
pentameter - five feet
hexameter - six feet
heptameter - seven feet
octameter - eight feet

I'll sometimes write in anapestic trimeter or tetrameter, such as:

I will travel the world in a month ( - - ^ - - ^ - - ^ )
Please remember your manners when visiting Ted ( - - ^ - - ^- - ^ - - ^ )

When choosing a meter, you can mix patterns, usually in alternating lines, but remember you should keep that combined pattern throughout the poem. You can also add or subtract a syllable at the beginning or end of an otherwise classic metrical line as long as you are consistent, or it enhances the flow or emotion of the poem. In other words, it's okay to break the rules once you know them. Shakespeare often added and subtracted syllables from his patterns.

Financial debacle was fast on our heels, ( - ^ - - ^ - - ^ - - ^ = anapestic tetrameter minus the first syllable)
we managed to stay just ahead (- ^ - - ^ - - ^ = anapestic trimeter minus the first syllable)
by moving to Kansas and Midwest ideals, (anapestic tetrameter minus the first syllable)
a shelter from cash flow in red... (anapestic trimeter minus the first syllable)

The most important aspect of meter is consistency and flow. When in doubt, write down the pattern notations for your whole poem and the inconsistencies will usually be obvious.

Copyright © 2009 by Jack Huber-
All rights reserved.