WoPoLi

Anacreontic Verse

Anacreontic Verse
Anacreontic verse is a poetic form that celebrates themes of love, wine, and revelry, inspired by the works of the ancient Greek poet Anacreon. The meter consists of short, trochaic lines, typically with eight syllables (u u – u – u – –), where light and heavy syllables alternate. The verses often evoke joy, pleasure, and indulgence, with a focus on carefree moments.
Meter:
Anacreontic verse traditionally employs a specific metrical pattern known as the Anacreontic meter, characterized by a sequence of syllables in a particular arrangement. However, in English adaptations, the form has been more flexible, often comprising short lyrical lines without a strict metrical pattern.

Syllable Count:
While the original Greek Anacreontic meter consists of lines with a specific syllabic structure, English versions do not adhere to a fixed syllable count, focusing instead on the thematic elements of love, wine, and revelry.

Sweet Merlot
Dark and thick, the Merlot flows,
As the night in ruby glows.
Cup in hand, I sip, I say,
“Love and Wine both warm the way”.

Bring the bottle, pour once more,
Sweet Merlot, my heart implores.
Deep within, its velvet sings,
As I dream on lover’s wings.

This short poem follows the themes of Anacreontic verse, a light, lyrical tone celebrating the richness of Merlot and the joy of love. While it may not conform to the precise metrical structure of ancient Anacreontic verse, its thematic focus and lyrical style are in keeping with the spirit of the form as it has been interpreted in English poetry.

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About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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