BOP

WHAT IS A BOP?

A Bop refers to a form quite similar to the Shakespeare Sonnet, but has three stanzas with a refrain being repeated at the end of every stanza. It was first invented by Afaa Michael Weaver and is quite young. The Bop is a form of poetic argument and each stanza has a different purpose, about which this blog will cover later. 

HOW TO WRITE A BOP POEM?

A Bop poem, as mentioned before, consists of three stanzas. The three stanzas together present an argument or a problem and the solution to the problem, or the failure to succeed in solving the problem (depending upon theme):

~The first stanza consists of 6 lines and it states the problem or the thesis in question. 

Ends with the refrain.

~The second stanza consists of 8 lines, and it explores the problem and delves deeper into the same.

Ends with the refrain.

~The third stanza, with 6 lines, proposes a solution to the problem. If there is no solution, it documents all the attempts made at solving the problem and concludes the failure of the situation.

Ends with the refrain. 

~Some Bop poems have added a fourth stanza, consisting of 6 lines which still ends with a refrain. 

EXAMPLE OF BOP POETRY:

THE HOSPITAL BOP

~Marieta Maglas and Dr. Subhendu Kar

The moon gleams descend to rock the night, where

the void of universe haunts the dreams, in which

the music of nightmares glitters within yet without.

The arm of silence is a limb of pain. The death is

dancing with the life while keeping everything in white-

the coats, the walls, the beds and the skin of patients.

Some rays of light make slalom among planets when their stars

are pulsing spumes of life to travel from one end to another one.

The patients are like dancing skeletons needing love and

air for a good new breath. Their nightmares are loaned

by the void flounces and fear to fall. In this place, people

do not fight one another. The fight is inside and in self. The

fear hides behind the windows. It becomes a rabbit to jump

into souls. The joy cries in pain to withstand the oddities

of life.The hope dissipates in quiet lounges to smell like

illness, or cheap food and to flow into the longing to belong.

Some rays of light make slalom among planets when their stars

are pulsing spumes of life to travel from one end to another one.

Some patients leave their beds to go nowhere in search of the

grain of the universe. Mars is that red planet waiting at the green.

The quest still persists to pursue all through this disastrous existence.

The doctors are scared of not being able to save their patients with

their kisses flossed on lips to radiate when the patients have attacks

of not being able to breathe. Dreams desiccate the breeze of death.

Some rays of light make slalom among planets when their stars

are pulsing spumes of life to travel from one end to another one.

As mentioned, this poem consists of a first stanza with 6 lines, describing the hospital ward, which in this case, is the argument in question. It is followed by the refrain, “Some rays of light make the slalom among planets when their stars / are pulsing spumes of life to travel from one end to another” The follows the in depth analysis of the argument, the second stanza, where the hospital is described in detail. The pathetic state of the patients are described and gives a sense of pity and sympathy with the reader. It again ends with the refrain. The third and the last stanza, describes how the doctors are trying to bring the patients back to good health, in vain. Here, since there is no solution that is achieved, the poet documents the attempts and the failure to solve the problem. 

TIPS TO WRITE A BOP POEM:

1. Have a chronological ordering of the problem, the details of the problem and the solution/attempts in mind before beginning a Bop.

2. Since the refrain is to be repeated after every stanza, the refrain should be relevant to all stanzas. Thus, form a general refrain that neither talks about the problem or the solution in particular. 

3. Do not disclose anything about the solution in the first two stanzas. Maintain a level of suspense throughout the stanzas. 

4. Using poetic devices will enhance your poem. On writing a rough draft of the poem, try to include poetic devices. There may already be poetic devices in the poem that have been added unconsciously.

5. The first stanza should be about the statement of the problem and it is suggested to use the second stanza to take the theme deeper into the hearts of the readers.

6. The title of the Bop can be chosen as you wish, but remember to not disclose much on the title.

Like most modern forms of writing, Bop poetry has structural as well as contextual aspects, about which this blog has covered in detail. Try our other blogs to improve your already awesome poetry! For now, read a Bop, Pen a Bop, Enjoy your Bop!!

~Avaanthikha Narayan

(Member of team PoeTree FoRest)