WoPoLi

Accent in Poetry

Accent

In poetry, accent refers to the emphasis placed on a particular syllable, word, or sound within a line. This emphasis may be achieved through stress, tone, or length, which are key features in prosodic systems. The first version uses natural stress.

Stand and Sing

Rise when the dark winds howl and call,
Stand though the storm may shake and fall.
Faith is the rock where hope is strong,
God is the voice that leads you on.

Lift up your hands, let praise ring high,
Sing though the night still veils the sky.
Truth is the torch that cuts the shade,
Love is the light that will not fade.

Highlighting the stresses with bold font drives the rhythm by making it clear where the natural weight falls.

The next version uses an Accentual Meter with strong stresses, deliberate emphasis, and an impactful tone.

Take Your Stand


God is for you!—the dark may fall,
Faith stands firm through trial’s call.
Lift your voice!—let praise ring high,
Sing His truth though shadows lie.

Storms will rage, but grace is strong,
Hope endures the whole night long.
Will you bow to fear’s demand,
Or rise up?—Now take your stand!

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From the blog

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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