Caesura

Caesura
A caesura is a pause or break within a line of verse, where the metrical flow is temporarily interrupted. Derived from the Latin verb caedere (‘to cut’), it can occur at various positions: at the beginning (initial caesura), middle (medial caesura), or end (terminal caesura) of a line, contributing to the rhythm and emotional effect of the poem.

Nightfall
—falling silent.
The stars—drifting lost in time.
As earth sleeps in wait of—

This poem effectively uses all three types of caesura:

Initial caesura
The dash at the beginning creates a pause before the thought begins, emphasizing the sudden arrival of night.

Medial caesura
The dash mid-line gives a breath before the description continues, enhancing the drifting sensation.

Terminal caesura
The final dash leaves the line open-ended, reinforcing the sense of anticipation for the coming dawn.

In addition one might use a visual caesura of spacing or line breaks instead of dashes or a double caesura, two pauses in one line, creating a staggered rhythm.

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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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