Anacoluthon verse

Anacoluthon verse

Anacoluthon is a literary and rhetorical device in which a sentence or poetic line breaks away from its expected grammatical structure, resulting in an abrupt shift in syntax. This creates a sense of interruption, confusion, or spontaneity, often reflecting intense emotion, thought disruption, or stream-of-consciousness narration. In poetry, an anacoluthon verse is one that deliberately disrupts syntactical flow, leaving the reader with a sense of broken thought, hesitation, or unfinished reasoning. This technique can mimic natural speech patterns, internal conflict, or sudden shifts in perspective. It often creates a fragmented, introspective rhythm and can be achieved by a dash-heavy structure created by abrupt stops, mirroring the narrator’s fading consciousness and thought disintegration.

A Green Flicker

I—was it—no, but surely I would have—
A bird, small, green, a flash against the glass,
too green, too bright—like a leaf that—
no, no leaf moves like that—

It stopped—just there—
the sill caught its shadow, a blink, a breath,
then wings, a tremor—
gone.

And now the sink is running, the cloth still damp,
the room—unchanged, except—
except I saw it. I did.
Didn’t I?

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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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