This is the first introduction to rhythm and meter that begins where students are: as speakers of English familiar with the rhythms of ordinary spoken language, and of popular verse such as nursery rhymes, songs, and rap. Poetic rhythm builds on this knowledge and experience, taking the reader from the most basic questions about the rhythms of spoken English to the elaborate achievements of past and present poets. Terminology is straightforward, the simple system of scansion that is introduced is suitable for both handwriting and computer use, and there are frequent practical exercises. Chapters deal with the elements of verse, English speech rhythms, the major types of metrical poetry, free verse, and the role of sense and syntax. Poetic rhythm will help readers of poetry experience and enjoy its rhythms in all their power, subtlety, and diversity, and will serve as an invaluable tool for those who wish to write or discuss poetry in English at a basic as well as a more advanced level.

Preface; Acknowledgments; On using this book; 1. The rhythms of poetry: a first approach; 2. The rhythms of spoken English; 3. Dancing language; 4. Stress verse and strong-stress verse: counting the beats; 5. Syllable-stress verse: versatility and variation; 6. Major types of syllable-stress verse; 7. Free verse: metrical and rhythmic analysis; 8. Phrasal movement; Appendix 1. Scansion; Appendix 2. Glossary; Appendix 3. Sources of examples; Appendix 4. Suggested responses to the exercises.