Example of Roundel

As I am learning about all the forms in the world I know nothing about and have never written in and also don't know how to (yet!), came across this very young famous poet called Sophie Hannah. Does anyone know her? I want to read more of her stuff. This is the poem that Jeffrey Wainwright mentions in 'Poetry: The Basics'. I liked the titled (soppy me…), so looked for the poem and found it in this webpage: link

I found it HILARIOUS that it features in a divorce aid page…hehehehe. The things poetry does…and the people it 'helps'!
Here is a copy of the poem just in case.

The form of Sophie's poem is a 'Roundel', variation of the French 'Rondel' that Charles Swinburne invented. David Morley establishes some sort of parentage between Rondeau, Rondel and Roundel. Something like Rondel is Rondeau's sister and Roundel's the cousin. But I ned to double check that. It made me smile anyway when I first read it.

The End of Love

The end of love should be a big event.
It should involve the hiring of a hall.
Why the hell not? It happens to us all.
Why should it pass without acknowledgement?

Suits should be dry-cleaned, invitations sent.
Whatever form it takes – a tiff, a brawl –
The end of love should be a big event.
It should involve the hiring of a hall.

Better than the unquestioning descent
Into the trap of silence, than the crawl
From visible to hidden, door to wall.

Get the announcement made, the money spent.
The end of love should be a big event.
It should involve the hiring of a hall.

Sophie Hannah
From "The Hero and the Girl Next Door."
Copyright Carcanet Press. 1995

: 20 Dec 2005 12:01 |  Tags: Poetry |  Comments (3) |  Report a problem