05-30-2013, 09:36 PM
I'm on a business trip right now, but when I get home I'll go through my books and find some good examples. It is as you say a finesse thing, something better seen done than explained. Enjambment actually tends to increase the pace of a poem not decrease it. It's the opposite of the end stopped line. It's the layering of meaning that makes it an interesting tool. When it's done well it adds a great deal to a poem when it's done poorly it comes off as gimmicky or overly cute. When I think of my own poetry, enjambment can be heavy handed in early drafts, and smoothed out in revision.
I read someone recently who does it very well. I'll post some of her poems.
I read someone recently who does it very well. I'll post some of her poems.
The secret of poetry is cruelty.--Jon Anderson
