WoPoLi

THE LANGUAGE OF CHANGE

THE LANGUAGE OF CHANGE
Theme: How identity changes through relationships.

This variation is a true two-direction grammatical matrix. Every horizontal line and every vertical column forms a sentence. Below are artistic choices for varied presentation of the material.

we
who
change
still
remains
who
we
change
still
remains
change
change
changes
change
changes
still
still
change
still
remains
remains
remains
changes
remains
remains

Read across or down. The matrix is symmetrical, so the same sequences emerge in either direction.
This is a more radical experiment in lexical self-reference. It deliberately sacrifices some conventional grammar for a structure in which the words change, and constantly redefine one another.

Its central paradox is that remaining and changing are not necessarily opposites. The poem’s symmetrical construction enacts the idea that identity can survive transformation.

we · who · change · still · remains
who · we · change · still · remains
change · change · changes · change · changes
still · still · change · still · remains
remains · remains · changes · remains · remains

we · who · change · still · remains
who · we · change · still · remains
change · change · changes · change · changes
still · still · change · still · remains
remains · remains · changes · remains · remains

Reading paths

Hinge: (off)

Row 1

we · who · change · still · remains

Row 2

who · we · change · still · remains

Row 3

change · change · changes · change · changes

Row 4

still · still · change · still · remains

Row 5

remains · remains · changes · remains · remains

Column 1

we · who · change · still · remains

Column 2

who · we · change · still · remains

Column 3

change · change · changes · change · changes

Column 4

still · still · change · still · remains

Column 5

remains · remains · changes · remains · remains

Diagonal ↘

we · we · changes · still · remains

Diagonal ↙

remains · still · changes · still · remains

Author notes

Identity through relationships. Symmetrical experimental matrix; coherence and grammar are author judgments.

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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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