PARATAXIS is a figure of speech or literary technique involving the placing of words, phrases or sentences next to each other without the use of synchronizing conjunctions (words that link other words and phrases together). PARATAXIS is a writing style giving equal importance to each element, creating both flow and effect. It is found in diverse works of literature, prose, poetry, slogans and phrases. Parataxis is utilized to create and emphasize THOUGHT-PROVOKING, unrelated imagery. I have observed this in several poems written by many poets. It is often used in rhetoric style, in delivering speech, sometimes presenting concepts one after another with logical connections, sometimes even in simplifying language, in playful, fun or in a simple manner.
Parataxis in Poetry is often used as 2 different objects or concepts written side by side. The juxtaposition between entities gives rise to the readers to make their own interpretations. We recently offered this technique to poets. They were given the option to write prose, poetry or a passage using this particular technique in short, simple sentences without conjunctions, in vivid imagery and/or in metaphorical expression. Out of the 16 who entered, ILA Magazine chose 8 poets to be featured.
"In Cadence is the Verity"
All that was All that is All that will.
© Ernest Kemedikumo Clinton
Nigeria
"Untitled"
a gray day
a silent whisper
the black snow
the beethoven moonlight
a wandering crow
those two eyes
a blurred window
an empty room
and the paralyzed hope
© Mehran Hashemi
Iran
"Whispers of Nature's Silent Song"
Misty morning, quiet meadow,
Soft whispers, dancing shadows.
Gentle breeze, a robin's song,
Sunrise paints, a world reborn.
Leaves rustle, secrets unfold,
Raindrop symphony, stories untold.
Babbling brook, winding path,
Moonlit dreams, a starry bath.
Silent echoes, a poet's sigh,
Canvas of stars, a cosmic tie.
Serenade of night, woven dreams,
Infinite sky, where wonder gleams.
Amidst all, fragile hope,
Junctions weave poetic depth.
© Concetta Pipia
US
"Life's Journey"
Cocoon. Fresh. Soared.
loved. risked. victorious.
unscathed. scars. triumphant
drowned. breath anew.
she lived. they relieved
chances taken, odds met
life's journey, no regrets.
© Rosemarie Miranda
Philippines
"Moments of Our Lives"
Moments of our lives
Swift flowing rivers
Transient travelers
One-way ticket holders
Returning never.
These precious times
Ride it pen in hand
Savor all flavors
Paint vivid images
Store in caches.
Sail in its waves
Surf its high crests
Hide in its troughs
Leave the debris
Under the depths.
© Myrtle Eve
Philippines
"She"
She sat, she stared, she heaved, she swung, she slipped, she rose
She ogled, she smiled, she prayed.
She dared, she blared, she cheered
She moved, she wooed, she exuded
Composed writ of will power.
© Shiv Raj Pradhan
Siliguri, West Bengal, India
"AIR"
Crisp cool air
Sky so blue
Kaleidoscopic beauty of nature
(Parataxis Poem)
"Risks"
We fought, survived, cried
Took risks, many chances lost
Contemplating, giving it a try
Reciprocity living in harmony
Like a cacophony, silent scream
Hidden away, in numbness angst
Found some wisdom to be strong
Tread into clarity, optimism spell
A milestone trekked journey
Delighfulness wrapped around
Passing the odds and ends
Rejoicing to a triumphant life
© Gloria Magallanes-Loeb
SFO, USA
"Red Tulips"
My love is as deep as dying
Mounting on a winged horse
I came down flying with the wind,
Even the moon seen daily is untrue
And the eyes search for the stars
shimmering in the Orion blue
Dreams of my heart gives me no pleasure
Garden of red tulips, withered
and the tiny grass was adamant,
Return back my stolen thought
My heart is in a frantic fosse,
As darkness say the dawn shall not come again
My silence fades into shadows,
I wander around like a lonely traveler in bane
Lost in the jungle of love, thorn in wane.
© Sheila Ann
Malaysia
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