Tetractys Train, Interactive Tetractys - Come play! Options

[Athena]

Say Boys and Girls and all you Grown Kids, too!  Anyone wanna play with me?

I mean,

we learned what a tetractys is a few weeks ago and several of us tried them.  Now I have an idea I hope will catch on:  

A Tetractys Train!
or Interactive Tetractys

Here's how it would work: I'll write a single or double tet, the next person begins their tet with the last word of mine, the next person begins theirs with the end word on that one, etc.  They do NOT have to be on the same subject, but they CAN be if you wish.  It's all up to YOU! Whattaya think?  Shall we give it a go?

Remember the rules of tets:
First line: 1 syllable
Second line: 2 syllables
Third line: 3 syllables
Forth line: 4 syllables
Fifth line: 10 syllables

If you want to write a double it goes like this: 1,2,3,4,10,10,4,3,2,1.  Every line must be as self-contained as possible not relying on the next line to make its point.

Here comes my first one: (Uh-oh, it feels like a serious one is coming    .... here it comes ............ yess ............ it's coming ......... almost here .......... and yeppers ..... it's a serious one, but that's OK, right?)

Love
a word
that is thrown
around by men
and women alike.  Some people have no
deeper conviction of that term than ants ...
while this great word
means so much
to some
folks.

If you'd like to play, the next single or double tetractys will begin with the word: Folks  I know, mine was done hurridly and didn't come out so well, but I bet you'll do it better!

I'm looking forward to what everyone does with this idea!  C'mon, let's PLAY!  

Always trying to learn,
Athena-type-Dolly  

[JustDaniel]

Folks,
know this:
as designed,
with tetractys
each line is essentially self-contained
in that it should add a separate thought,
part of the all,
yet distinct,
standing
whole

© Daniel J Ricketts 26 Jan 2004

[Cleo_Serapis]

What a great idea!

I'll be back myself with something (but may be a few days)...

Thanks and HUGS!!!!
~Cleo

[Cleo_Serapis]

Whole,
or part,
images
are reflections
that lead us to wondrous discoveries...
Travel the mind in color; feel journeys
through sensory
imprints of
musing
thoughts.

[Athena]

Folks,
know this:
as designed,
with tetractys
each line is essentially self-contained
in that it should add a separate thought,
part of the all,
yet distinct,
standing
whole

© Daniel J Ricketts 26 Jan 2004

Excellent reminder, Daniel, and written in a tetractys is GREAT!  Thanks for your marvelous participation.  I'm going to push myself to write another one tonight.

Look forward to your next one, Daniel,        

Always trying to learn,

Dolly      

[Athena]

Whole,
or part,
images
are reflections
that lead us to wondrous discoveries...
Travel the mind in color; feel journeys
through sensory
imprints of
musing
thoughts.

Heyyy Lori!

Didn't think you'd get time for this and so delighted you did!  What a neat tet you've created from Daniel's tet's last word, "whole".  Let's see if we can actually do at least one tetractys per day for either 15 days or 30, you choose.  Then, both of you please let me know how many days you're pledging for.

Always trying to learn,    :speechless:

Hugs,    
Dolly

[Athena]

Love
a word
that is thrown
around by men
and women alike.  Some people have no
deeper conviction of that term than ants ...
while this great word
means so much
to some
folks.

© D. Harris Jan 2004



Folks,
know this:
as designed,
with tetractys
each line is essentially self-contained
in that it should add a separate thought,
part of the all,
yet distinct,
standing
whole

© Daniel J Ricketts 26 Jan 2004




Whole,
or part,
images
are reflections
that lead us to wondrous discoveries...
Travel the mind in color; feel journeys
through sensory
imprints of
musing
thoughts

© Lori Kanter



Thoughts
like rain
keep coming
if you want them
or whether you don't ...  can't stop rain, either.

© D. Harris 26 Jan 2004

[JustDaniel]

Hmmmm

Since tets begin with one syllable, and your last word is either....

either one must end the train, or start with ther?

Now what?

ther
don't seem
nothin' mor
I c'n do her
but limp along the pag until it end


sLightly lopped, Daniel  :sun:

[Cleo_Serapis]

Why don't you use rain Daniel?
Close enuf.....
:wink:

[Athena]

Of course you're right, Daniel!!  I was much too sleepy to be trying to write anything!  I'm so sorry to leave you with such a dillema, but you met this challenge like the trooper you are.  You gave me quite a laugh, which I certainly needed.  

Thanks so much,

Dolly    :pharoah:

[Cleo_Serapis]

End;
or start
a new thought
that blossoms bright,
expanding into amusing gardens
cared for by creativity, color,
a splash of spice,
and good 'ole
'musing
fun!

[JustDaniel]

Now THAT is a tetractys, LorII!  Brava!

[Athena]

I wish to add my brava to yours, Daniel!

Lori you've written what I'd call a PERFECT example of what a proper double tetractys looks and reads like and your subject choice is absolutely ideal!!!  

MARvelous, Lori,  

Blessings,
Dolly    :sun:

[Athena]

Fun
is what
we all seek
to bring us joy.
But, laughter itself does not define fun.
Many pleasures bring happiness, sans laughs
like flying kites,
children's hugs,
praying,
love.

© D. R. Harris - 27 Jan 2004

[Cleo_Serapis]

Thankies Daniel and Dolly!

Dolly, you newest is simply gorgeous! :pharoah2

HUGS!

[Cleo_Serapis]

Love
can come
in varied
shapes and sizes;
Sometimes, it finds you when you're not looking.
Always embrace a warm hello, a smile,
an open heart;
You'll seldom
go wrong,
friend.

[Guest__*]

CHARITY BEGINS, AND ENDS

Friend
in need,
when knocking
on my damn door,
gets bowl of "nourishing soup for the poor"
from a recipe by Mrs Beeton,
consuming
leftovers
kitchen
     had .....

Alan McAlpine Douglas

[Athena]

Dear Alan,

Delightful tetracys!  However, may I remind you, that for the most part, using a comma PLUS "and" is unnecessary; better to choose one or t'other.  

Now, you've left me a tiny word with which to begin my next tet.  Hmmmmm will take some pondering.  Ok, done it .. here 'tis:

Had
I known
how things were
before the start
I could have spoken with much more finesse.
Not having known, I jumped to conclusions
and made wrong choice
by putting
foot in
mouth.

© D R Harris - 1/29/04

PS Now have egg on face    

[Guest__*]

Dear Dolly

You say "using a comma PLUS "and" is unnecessary; better to choose one or t'other".  Where did I do that ? Not in the prev tetracctys !

Mouth
open
tongue twisting
meanings defiled :
your friendly neighborhood politician
sincerity oozing from every pore
and pouring smarm
without end
into
ears.

Alan McAlpine Douglas

[Athena]

Yeppersir!  You're sure correct, Alan!  It's about 3:45 AM and I'm heading for the bed .. should have gone before this!  I'm so sorry .. don't know where I saw that, but must have been dreaming with my eyes wide open!  

Hope your day/night ahead is a good one!

Blessings,
Dolly    

PS  I really like ALL your tets!  This newest one is a doozy of a delight!

[JustDaniel]

hard on hearing

ears
hear naught
may be blocked
oft need cleaning
bearer may need attention refocused
dark glasses removed could help with hearing
body's language
stays afoot
outside
mouth

[Athena]

Thoughtless Songs

Mouth
speaking
without ears
hearing your words
proves mouth overflows with unthinking voice;
song capable as darts in causing pain
to those you love.
Be careful,
listen
first.

© D R Harris - 30 Jan 2004

[Guest__*]

DRIVE SAFELY

First
answer
not always
exactly right
if mouth runs off before your brain's in gear;
it is best to clutch your thoughts to yourself
until strapped in
and you've cleaned
windshield
well

Alan McAlpine Douglas

[JustDaniel]

err I trip

well
I must
with wisdom
clear my windshield
warming up my vehicle for its trip
over treacherous road with blackened ice
heeding clear signs
well-posted
before
me

© Daniel J Ricketts 31 Jan 2004

[Guest__*]

COMINGS/GOINGS

Me
myself
and I too
wish bon voyage :
there but for the chance of weather go you,
perhaps meeting yourself on the way back,
on whether-ly
roundabout
black ice
makes ?

Alan McAlpine Douglas

[Cleo_Serapis]

Hmmmm - now Alan!
How does one start a TET with the word Makes?

[Guest__*]

Dear Cleo

Here's how :

TETRACTYS IS THE MOTHER OF NECESSITY !

Makes
of car
considered
for quality
include Rolls Royce, Volvo, Lexus and Saab
but exclude anything GM or Ford;
specially one
known as
Edsel,
The !

Alan McAlpine Douglas

[Cleo_Serapis]

The
clever
ones always
retort with a
rhyme and a reason to their own madness
through written words, imagery, and a boat
load of snazzy
sayings mused
for us
all!

[Guest__*]

HOW DOES HE DO IT ?


All
you need
is a mind
like a midden -
the repository of tons of trash.
There's bound to be something useful inside
to be hauled out
and displayed
right on
cue !

Alan McAlpine Douglas

[Guest__*]

ONLY XI MORE YEARS TO GO .....

Go  
Boston  
 Patriots !  
 Go to Houston  
 to compete in Superbowl XXXVIII.  
Remember, when it comes to XLIX
San Francisco've
pre-booked
in their
name !

Alan McAlpine Douglas

[Cleo_Serapis]

Ahhhh!  

Great one Alan!    

Name
winning
football team
in Superbowl
Thirty-eight with an utmost confident  
smile. Remember, pick the team you admire
most of all, know
in your heart
will win
game!  

[Athena]

When Home Games Fail

Game
goes well
when all play,
but ALL must play.
E'en good plans go awry if detractors
decide to spoil the gameplay with own plans
nobody scores
all losers
go home
sad

© D R Harris - 7 February 2004

[Guest__*]

MY WORDS OF WISDOM, BEQUEATHED UNTO THEE

Sad ?
Be not,
no purpose
to gloom for nowt :
Be happy with a will and I'll go far.
Be happy with a will and relatives
will give much thanks
in future,
when I'm
far .....

Alan McAlpine Douglas

[JustDaniel]

Marquis de Sad

Sade
Marquis
who sought pain
debauched himself
and anyone who followed in his steps
with leather, chains and twisted-pleasure mind
to take their breath
away in spurts
risking
death

© Daniel J Ricketts 08 Feb 2004

[JustDaniel]

OOPS Tet

far
be it
from this guy
to ignore friends
who write tetractys pieces in this place.
Forgive me, Alan, for overlooking
your gathering
relatives
who will
not

sLightly embarrassed, Daniel  

[Guest__*]

Dear Daniel

No need at all to be unbarrassed ! You had me laughing into my coffee, now I've got to get a cloth !

Love
Alan

[JustDaniel]

Thanks, Alan...

so I'll add to the corporate thoughts...

Reining in Death

not
dead yet
we write on
as testaments
to our will unto our last, fading breath
vaporizing among a gathering cloud
of will-wishers
clamoring
for seed
rights

© Daniel J Ricketts 08 Feb 2004

[Athena]

Fight For The Right

rights
to have
most freedoms,
not really free;
freedom carries responsibilities
that must be attended to for freedom
to be achieved
or freedom
will leave
us


© D R Harris - 8 February 2004

[Guest__*]

Hey Dolly,

This is an amazing sequence of quick-fire poems !

But ---

your last missed the 10-syllable line starting the inverted tet !

Love
Alan

[Athena]

Thank you so very much, Alan!  Why whatever would I do without that eagle eye of yours??  

I've amended my boo-boo...all better now?     

Just funnin' with ya, kiddo!    

Dolly    

[Guest__*]

Dear Dolly

"Just funnin' with ya, kiddo"

Well, that's one way (probably the best) to achieve philisophical profundity !

Love
Alan

[JustDaniel]

Dolly...  "us" makes too much muss and fuss... so I turn it inside out to find 'we' and then reduce it still further to "I"...

eye
saw it
earlier
but thought of you
quite apt to discover it for yourself;
occasionally, silence finds its mark
much more gently
than my mouth,
reason'd
I

[Athena]

Is It Golden?

I
pondered
what you'd said,
thought to counter,
decided I would write another tet
so you'd know I was at least pondering
found I agree
that silence
sometimes
gold

© D R Harris - 9 February 2004

Heyyy Daniel ....you seem to know just when gold counts, my friend.  

[Cleo_Serapis]

I see gold!

Gold
comes in
all shapes and
sizes. Within
us all, there is a light more powerful
than the most magnificent bar of gold;
Do you see it's
treasures glow
inside,
love?

LOL! I wish to see GOLD here in Vegas, maybe today? :wink:
Miss all!

[Athena]

Dear Lori ... I hope you do see "ka-ching gold" in Vegas, but you ALWAYS have gold with you wherever you go; to access, simply lift pen and write ...  :sun:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Whirling Worlds

Love's
what makes
worlds go 'round
so songsters say.
Don't know about others, only my world;
my world ceases to function without love
so true for me
maybe all
feel same
way?

© D R Harris - 12 February 2004

[Cleo_Serapis]

Way
down South
by the train
graveyard, I spied
a man that chewed some lard. It went down, then
came back up; and the train sped off going
on his fuel.
By the train
down South
Way..

Just funnin here!

[JustDaniel]

<font color='#000000'>

Lost in Line Space

way
across
tideless space
another’s heart
beats out in tunes I thought I’d understood
but leave me now behind with gasping words
too dry for ears
that once whet
this old
tongue

© Daniel J Ricketts 16 Feb 2004

</font>

[Athena]

Pen Mightier Than Sword

tongue
meets ear
in language
clear to hear,
but words meet heart in yet another way
when, with pen, they come to rest on paper;
suppositions
of the past
are gone,
stilled

© D R Harris - 16 February 2004

[Guest_Dove_*]

Stilled
crickets;
the night sleeps
too quietly
as she tosses and turns, tosses and turns,
and he listens
to the moon's
heart beat.
Thump.

[Athena]

I LOVE your tetractys, Jessica!  

Mine will pale in the warm glow of yours, but I will attempt one anyway.

Blessings,  Dolly

[Athena]

Thump
thump, thump
beat my heart
as he drew near;
teachers often annoyed or frightened me.
School is tough for the ADHD child;
irritating,
difficult,
boring,
waste

© D R Harris - 13 March 2004

[Cleo_Serapis]

Waste
not one
ounce of time
on trivial
matters, that in the end, are meaningless!

[JustDaniel]

I
am spent
from posting
meaninglessness.
I think it's time I simply stowed my pen.

[Cleo_Serapis]

Pen
a thought,
or many,
on thick parchment
of your choosing. Express that inner 'self'
we know is beaming just beneath tall stacks
of blank pages
awaiting
your vast
touch.

[JustDaniel]

<font color='#000000'>

touch
my pen
to parchment?
I am afraid
that it would just become a scratching post
for all the fat cats prone to spray their scent
on blotted words
as they run
down this
page

</font>

[Guest_Zeus²_*]

Page,
just an
instrument
of an idea,
brought forth from inner thoughts of mind and soul.

[JustDaniel]

<font color='#000000'>

sole
flat fish
that flounders
on the bottom
one eye migrating t'ward the one on top
trying to see something other than muck
lying beneath
its tasty
creamy
flesh

</font>

[JustDaniel]

fresh

writing

exercise

whets your whistle

to stimulate your breaking out in song;

sing then with freedom and joy from your heart

while whispering

to eager

open

ears

[JustDaniel]

ears

will hear

differently

what's been written

when an author composes his poem;

as a speaker he must compose himself

to help hearers

empathize,

gleaning

words

[Larry]

words

written,

unlike speech,

have some pronounced

colloquial differences exposed

when someone is counting syllables in

different forms

and therefore

don’t quite

fit

Line 6 has "some" added to "one" to attain the correct syllable count. Thanks Daniel!





dif-fer-ent-ly

[JustDaniel]

fit

your words

for the lines

both 5 and 6

into ten-syllable lines, and not nine-

and try to make each line a distinct piece

when attempting

tetractys;

keep it

up

[Larry]

Hey Daniel,

I started at the beginning of this post and read all the parameters and then the various posts and found very few who maintained strict adherence to the " Every line must be as self-contained as possible not relying on the next line to make its point" rule of thumb. I know, mine didn't either! The reason I tried to pen one was while reading your post beginning with "ears", I found that your line 3 was 4 syllables long:
dif-fer-ent-ly; so I looked it up in numerous references to make sure I wasn't pronouncing it wrong myself. I know some people do pronounce it "dif-frent-ly". That is why I had the word parsed out in italics at the bottom of my Tetractys trial.

My line 6 is only 9 syls long but is an easy fix by adding "some" to "one" for someone, thus attaining the required 10 syls for that line. I'll try more of them but even in the Tetractys I referenced, there are a few lines there which are not self-contained and do rely on the previous or following line. None of this is a critique, just an observation.

Larry

[JustDaniel]

up

above

where you cite

my rule of thumb

the key words are "as much . . . as possible"

and of course 'thumb rules' are merely guidelines

so that this form

won't merely

slice up

lines

The idea of this 'rule of thumb' is not so much that each line is self-sufficient in the sense that it makes a point all by itself, but that is delineates a distinct PART of a point in combination with the other distinct pieces of the statement when the lines are joined together. I've merely challenged participants to exercise some kind of careful measuring of each line to make the form stand out as something worthwhile... and not just a cut-and-paste stringing together of words. Sometimes, of course, in such an exercise, our desire for a quick and/or humorous response may cause us to cast caution to the wind... but I hope that will be less and less the case as we seriously play with the form.

... and of course you're absolutely right about the 'correct' pronunciation of 'differently'... but the colloquial pronunciation in this neck of the woods would make four syllables sound a bit stiff-shirted. It's always that way in different corners of America and between various locations both in the US and in Brit-speaking areas.

deLighting in your careful observations, Daniel

[Larry]

lines

adhere

gluing eyes

knowledge burrows

like small creatures who want to build a home

connect with all the other neighborhoods

building cities

from letters

sent to

minds

[JustDaniel]

minds

enjoin

each other

to try to meld

and embark on a great space adventure

only to discover there's too much space

inside their brains

to connect

a real

truth

[Larry]

truth

kernels

recount facts

thoughts complicate

remembering highlights convolutions

forgetting distorts the various paths

never traveled

leading to

shadowed

lies

[JustDaniel]

lye

bucket

soaks the chain

that Burger King

uses to broil all their lean hambergers;

if you stand them on their sides, however,

they won't lean well;

they'll fall flat

on sliced

buns

[Larry]

How about a double acrostic Tetractys?

flour power

bread

and cake

kills masses

each day and night

decreasing blood flow, harming the liver

generating good cholesterol; so

omit any

or bodies

die from

same.

[JustDaniel]

OK, Larry... You asked for it, so here's my response to your very clever Double Acrostic Tetractys

SACRIFIC^(I)AL ENCLOSURES


some

adorn

c-cryptic

runes with awful

idiomatic sayings simply to

frustrate potential, curious readers;

if such are you

create your

acute

lines


© MLee Dickens'son 2013

[Larry]

Great Daniel! Now, back at you once more with another D-A-T!

Limned Lines

lines

appall

builders who

yearn to know how

rooms, halls and doors, drawn by architects, form

interiors which fill all that home’s space.

neatly, plans lined

to scale to

help, now

stun.

[JustDaniel]

ELIMINATED LIMNBURGER


eel

limni

inked by him

may not brighten

intelligent discourse in your suburb;

no local fisherman ever asked you!

attend to your

tiny-burg

empire,

dear

[Larry]

A WREATH

DECORATION... EMERALD EYE

Dare

each norm

called for here

on your front door

regardless of neighbor’s criteria

about how each house looks, or its appeal;

to flaunt your mood

in a theme

of joy,

nye!