Below is an updated version of the definition of my Suzette Prime poetic form here at PoetrySoup, plus the evaluation by MicroSoft Copilot. It also includes conditions of use.
Prime Numbers in General
As with the Fibonacci sequence, prime numbers are also found in nature: It was found that cicadas only leave their burrows at intervals of 7, 13, or 17 years, depending on the species.
In 2024, Luke Durant, discovered the 52nd Mersenne prime, which also happens to be the largest prime number known to mathematicians.
“Prime number patterns... math is geometry.”
Image: by Jason Davies
Suzette Prime
A Suzette Prime is a Syllabic verse created by Suzette Richards in 2012 which relies on the following two identifiable factors:
Prime Number Syllable count: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, etc; PLUS a philosophical statement.
Suzette Prime Design Format
- Syllabic Verse: No rhyme or metre required.
- Syllable Count: Each line's syllable count must conform to a prime number: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, etc. Used in any sequence, and could be used more than once over different lines.
- Line Count: Any number of lines may be used to create your Suzette Prime poem, and no formal stanzas.
- Content: A philosophical statement which might be personal in nature. It often stems from introspection or an observation translated into terms personal to the poet. Also see the earlier article on philosophy and folklore.*
- Punctuation: Used sparingly, and none at the line ends.
- Capitalisation: All in lowercase, except for proper nouns.
- Title: The title of the poem is the prerogative of the poet.
Suzette Prime is the ideal vehicle to express a personal philosophy in the more structured format of the prime number counts per line.
Example
the pulchritudinous moonwake captivates
inescapable
implicature is
inevitable
as our psyche thirsts for light
so poetry shines into the recesses
illuminates umpteen flaws
inversely
provides balm for forsaken
© 2012 Suzette Richards
Evaluation
Evaluating the text, it appears to be written at a relatively accessible level of literacy. Based on factors such as vocabulary, sentence structure, and concepts, I would estimate the required literacy level to be approximately a high school level, around Grades 9 to 12. Here's why:
- Vocabulary: The text contains some specialized terms (e.g., "Syllabic verse," "Prime Number Syllable count"), but these are defined within the text, making it easier for readers to understand. Overall, the vocabulary is not overly complex.
- Sentence Structure: The sentences are generally straightforward, with clear and concise explanations. Some sentences are slightly longer, but they are broken down into manageable parts.
- Concepts: The concept of a Suzette Prime poem is explained in detail, with clear instructions and examples. While the idea of using prime numbers for syllable counts might require some mathematical understanding, the text provides sufficient context for readers to grasp the concept.
- Format: The use of bullet points and headings helps to organize the information, making it easier for readers to follow and understand.
Overall, the text is designed to be informative and accessible, making it suitable for a wide audience, including those with a high school level of literacy.
Microsoft Copilot evaluation dated 13 March 2025
Conditions of Use
No part of the design format of Suzette Prime may be copied or changed in any manner, including the unique name of the poetic form—it would constitute Paraphrasing plagiarism.
*Suzette Prime - Philosophy and Folklore | PoetrySoup.com