Observation of the Different Styles of Poetry

One of the more noticable features of this book is the irratic poetry. It works well in this setting, with these characters, though at some points is very confusing. This is a comparison of the styles of poetry used in this book.

Style #1:

Example: Permission to Play

Sometimes,

when Ma is busy in the kitchen,

or scrubbing,

or doing wash,

I can ask her something in such a way

I annoy her just enough to get an answer,

but not so much I get a no.

Line 1: 2 syllables

Line 2: 9 syllables

Line 3: 3 syllables

Line 4: 4 syllables

Line 5: 10 syllables

Line 6: 12 syllables

So, in reallity, there is no pattern in Style #1, just random line changes that make for an interesting read.

Style #2:

Example: On Stage

When I point my fingers at the keys

The Music

springs straight out of me.

Right hand

playing notes sharp as

Toungs,

telling stories while the

smooth

buttery rythems back me up

on the left.

Line 1: 9 syllables

Line 2: 2 Tabs, 3 syllables

Line 3: 6 syllables

Line 4: 2 Tabs, 2 syllables

Line 5: 5 syllables

Line 6: 2 Tabs, 1 syllable

Line 7: 6 syllables

Line 8: 2 Tabs, 1 syllable

Line 9: 9 syllables

Line 10: 2 Tabs, 3 syllables

This one does have a pattern. Other than the fact that there are two indentations on every even-numbered line, there is actually a pattern I can see. Line one and Line two are the same as line 9 and 10.

Style #3:

Example: Hope

It started out as snow,

oh,

big flakes,

floating

softly,

catching on my sweater,

lacy on the edges of my sleeves.

Line 1: 6 syllables

Line 2: 1 syllable

Line 3: 3 syllables

Line 4: 2 syllables

Line 5: 2 syllables

Line 6: 6 syllables

Line 7: 10 syllables

There is no pattern that I can see.

Conclusion:

There is almost no pattern in the poetry in Out of the Dust. It is irratic, but enjoyable.