A POETIC DUET: TWO-VOICE POEMS

​I’m back again with another in-depth post about Poetry Forms—the overarching structure or pattern of a poem. This month, we explore two-voice poems.

 A two-voice poem is perfect for introducing themes of similarities and differences in an inventive way. In the classroom, this poem form can be used in a partner class assignment for more mature students--usually those in 8th grade or high school level--to foster creativity and collaboration.

Structurally, a two-voice poem is typically written in two columns and will be read aloud by two readers. (Each column will showcase a different speaker, which allows for a unique reading experience. Each speaker reads from one column: either the left-hand part or the right-hand part.) The poem is to be read from top to bottom, and the two different parts sound like a duet. When lines appear at the same level or just one line appears (usually centered between the two columns), those lines are spoken by both readers.
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Let’s take a closer look at a few examples in children's literature:

No study of two-voice poems would be complete without a closer look at this beautiful book. The poem “Fireflies” from the timeless title, JOYFUL NOISE: POEMS FOR TWO VOICES (Winner of the 1980 Newbery Medal) by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Eric Beddows. This marvellous collection celebrates the insect world. (If you are studying poetry in the kidlit realm, this classic book is a "must" for your reading stack!) Recruit a friend and read this lovely poem aloud together. Notice the rhythm, internal rhyme, alliteration, consonance, assonance and so much more! While reading or listening to this poem, I'm easily transported to a summer night from my childhood, chasing fireflies in the backyard with neighborhood friends.

Another selection from the animal world . . . The poem “Song Thief” from BOOM! BELLOW! BLEAT! ANIMAL POEMS FOR TWO OF MORE VOICES by Georgia Heard, Illustrated by Aaron DeWitt, 2019.

This two-voice poem cleverly plays on the mockingbird's ability to mimic another bird's song in the poem text. Note the shared lines (in blue text) centered, and spoken in unison. You see the two parts shared (left and right side) for the voices of the two mockingbirds. What a perfect topic for a two-voice poem!

For our final example, let's take a peek at my poem,  “Most Surprising Friendship: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln” from THE SUPERLATIVE A. LINCOLN: POEMS ABOUT OUR 16TH PRESIDENT by yours truly, and illustrated by Dave Szalay, 2019. This title won a Silver Medal in the Florida Book Awards, and was recently honored as a "Great Reads from Great Places" selection. (Representing my state - Florida) Selections were made by the Library of Congress for The National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. and the America 250 celebration!

​This two-voice poem offers an example for comparison and contrast. Both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln wanted equality for Black Americans, but each had a different view on how to proceed with timing and public acceptance. Of course, the poem highlights the two famous leaders' first meeting and their open-minded nature. As a result, a strong friendship was formed from their very first conversation.

Two-voice poems about fireflies, mockingbirds, and two famous men. The topical possibilities are endless! What type of two-voice poem will you write?

I'll close with a few photos from this year's National Book Festival where I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with readers from all over the country. Over 50,000 attendees came to the festival, and 4,000 participated in the Passport to Reading program. They stopped by state booths to receive a passport stamp and chat about reading and books.  This is the third time I've attended, and it was a wonderful experience to rub elbows with so many who treasure literature.

Book-lovers streaming in to the huge convention center!

​Happy writing!
​Eileen Meyer, Rhyme Doctor

Readers of all ages were eager to get their "reading passport" stamped! (You earn a prize with a fully stamped passport.)

Helping stamp passports at the Florida state booth - that's me on the left, and friend and retired librarian, Diane Johnson, on the right.