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Pattern poem

Form
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A poem arranged on the page in a visual design that reflects its subject

Detailed Definition
A pattern poem (or figure poem) arranges words visually to form a shape or image related to its subject—such as wings, altars, or eggs—dating back to ancient Greek technopaignia; this concrete form merges semantic and visual dimensions, requiring readers to engage both text and spatial design, as in George Herbert’s “Easter Wings.”
Example
Example in poetry:
Pattern poem in George Herbert’s “Easter Wings” (shaped like wings); concrete poetry by Ian Hamilton Finlay; visual sonnets in Apollinaire’s “Calligrammes”; contemporary pattern poems in derek beaulieu’s “Flatland”
Additional Notes
Visual arrangement on page creates image related to content. Also called concrete or shape poetry. George Herbert's "Easter Wings" is classic example. Balance visual impact with verbal meaning and readability.
Also Known As
Shape poem Visual form Concrete verse Picture poetry Calligram Carmen figuratum Concrete composition Concrete poetry Figural poetry pattern verse Visual-textual composition
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