Poetry

The forms of poetry, whether they be closed or open, often give meaning to what poet is trying to convey. In Shakespeare's "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day" he chooses a closed form with a rhyme scheme, for the most part, of ABAB. But the last two lines (a couplet) are different and follow an AA rhyme scheme. In following this particular format the last two lines hold more meaning wrapping up the whole poem in two epic lines. The closed form of Cope's poem is a little difficult to read. The first five stanzas have an ABA rhyme scheme. The last stanza is four lines instead of three and follows the ABAB rhyme scheme. By changing the form with the last stanza it follows the same effect as Shakespeare's couplet. It wraps up the poem on a more interesting note and capture's your attention. Kizer's "After Basho" is completely different from the first two poems because it is a haiku. It is simple, with three lines and does not follow a rhyme scheme. There is a lot more said in less lines.