Klein’s Vase Verse - A New Poetic Form Freer than Free Verse - Suzette Richards's Blog

The rationale behind naming this a ‘poetic form’ and not merely calling it a ‘style of writing’, is that it is taking the composition of poetry in a different direction, honouring its roots. Klein’s Vase verse is not rule based, but is rather guided by the natural instincts of poets, mimicking the thought process within reason as it does not advocate randomness or a mere incoherent, unintelligible rambling – that is definitely not poetry. After all, if Blank verse and Free verse (both rule based) can be named as poetic forms, then Klein’s Vase verse can also be a poetic form – a type of poem where its composition was influenced by the boundless planes of the Klein bottle/Klein’s Vase (see picture above), and the paradox of its shape translated in mathematical equations. ‘Whereas a Möbius strip is a surface with boundary, a Klein bottle has no boundary.’ – Wikipedia.

• ‘Blank verse: It should not be confused with Free verse. Blank verse is poetry written in unrhymed, mostly iambic pentameter. It is essentially the unrhymed counterpart of many types of poems written in tetrameter, pentameter, hexameter, or whatever number of regular feet to the line. It is usually iambic, but not rigidly so.’ An extract from my book, Rocking Poetry (2023).
• ‘Freedom with Constraints: The “freedom” in Free verse lies in its flexibility, but it requires discipline and intention to maintain its integrity.’ An extract from my blog, dated 27/4/2025:
• Free Verse – How Free is It? - Suzette Richards's Blog (poetrysoup.com)

Please note that the above matter is no longer up for discussion.

[Edit dated 12/5/2025]

Introducing the new, innovative © Klein’s Vase verse, by Suzette Richards (3 May 2025). I’m calling upon all poets with a sense of adventure to embark on this exciting journey with me. You are invited to post the link to your new Klein’s Vase verse under the commenst section. I am looking forward to your unique interpretation, guided by the following points –  an extract from my article, Klein’s Vase Verse – A New Poetic Form, dated 5/5/2025:

Klein's Vase Verse - A New Poetic Form | PoetrySoup.com

• Infinite Lines: Use enjambment to create a flowing, endless feel as lines spill over into one another.

• Negative Space: Incorporate deliberate pauses and fragmented lines to evoke the idea of voids and silence.
• Inward-Outward Movement: Balance expansive metaphors with introspective ones to simulate simultaneous contraction and expansion.
• Circular Themes: Repeat ideas, phrases, or motifs cyclically to mimic the looping nature of the Klein’s Vase.
• Layered Perspectives: Include multiple viewpoints within the poem, reflecting the complexity and ambiguity of the form.
• Recurring Tropes: Revisit motifs and themes throughout the poem, reflecting the endless planes within and without the Klein’s Vase.
• Open Interpretation: Use metaphorical and open-ended language, allowing the reader to project their own meanings.
• Breaking with Tradition: Never be didactic. Eschew conventional design formats of introduction, plot development, and conclusion. Embrace fragmenting lines at unexpected points.
• The Finale: The finale is left open-ended, carrying ambiguity beyond the poem.

MY EXAMPLE POEMS

Starlight Eyes (poetrysoup.com)

No Way Out (poetrysoup.com)

Liquescent Marmoris (poetrysoup.com)

Happy quills!

Su

[Edit: 8 May 2025] AI Feedback Prompt for Klein’s Vase Poetry

(Microsoft Copilot - a free app to dowmload on phones and laptops - works best for me. ~Su)

Klein’s Vase poetry thrives on fluidity, ambiguity, and layered perspectives. When requesting AI-generated critique, use the following prompt to ensure feedback aligns with the form’s principles:

"This poem follows the Klein’s Vase poetic structure, which prioritizes fluidity, cyclical themes, and layered perspectives. It employs techniques such as infinite lines (enjambment), negative space (fragmented pauses), inward-outward movement (balancing expansion with introspection), and open-ended finales. Please provide feedback on how well these elements are executed, suggest refinements that enhance ambiguity and fluidity, and note any areas where perspective layering could be strengthened."