Ilene Bauer Poet Rhyme

Near-Rhyme

It’s often used in lyrics
Since the music cuts some slack
But each time I get to hear it,
I am taken some aback.

For to me, who is a purist,
It’s a point in fact that I’m
Quite a stickler who objects to 
Any near- or almost-rhyme.

Sometimes laziness explains it,
Or the closeness of a word
To a rhyming one makes writers
Think a real rhyme will be heard.

Often there is nothing fitting
With the word the poet chose.
Finding others to replace it
Is a job each stickler knows.

There are many who will argue
Even Shakespeare sometimes fudged
Though that knowledge doesn’t faze me;
My beliefs will not be budged.

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Caren Krutsinger June 18, 2022 at 7:36 PM You are a purist because your rhymes are so spot on and succinct, Ilene.

Hannah Borke June 10, 2022 at 7:38 AM Another point of view: If a poem is fantastic that does not rhyme, it is inherently a great poem. If a poem is fantastic that rhymes, it may be a great poem, or may be just good poem with fantastic rhymes. In any case, your fabulous poems/rhymes get my attention.

Hannah Borke June 10, 2022 at 7:23 AM Reader’s point of view: Perfect rhymes are entertaining, but if you’d allow yourself near-rhymes, there’s more possibility for great lines. You’ve probably discarded fabulous lines for not rhyming perfectly. Mike Hauser uses near rhymes, and I’m a fan of some of his poems.

Robert Johnson June 9, 2022 at 3:50 PM I've come to notice that some songs that I like a lot, the rhymes aren't even really rhymes sometimes. But within the context of the phrase seem to sneak by without a mere notice. Have a nice day. :) <3

L Milton Hankins June 9, 2022 at 2:19 PM AH, how I respect you on this, Ilene. I think a real poet always must find just the right word, but...I admit that occasionally I am lazy and use a word that will fit. I don't mind near-rhymes though if they are truly "near." Unfortunately you are correct, that "often there is nothing fitting with the word the poet chose."

Rico Leffanta June 9, 2022 at 10:46 AM The captcha code is "TXX" for Ted Cruz does it again? Yes, we see on Soup many rhymes that do not rhyme except in someone's mind which may be off the track as mine frequently is . . . .Enjoyed, Ilene! Aloha!