d’Verse Poets Pub – MTB – brevity
Frank has us keeping it short at the Pub
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I remembered writing an Elfje a couple years ago. It’s perfect for this challenge – and fun to write
Here’s an explanation from simplyelfje
The Elfje form originated in The Netherlands where it is used to teach young children to write poetry. The word Elfje means ‘Elven’ or ‘Fairy’ poem (from ‘Elf’ meaning ‘elven’ or ‘fairy’ and the sufix ‘-je’ meaning ‘little’). The form consists of 11 words spread over 5 lines.
How to Write Elfje:
An ‘Elfje’ counts as five sentences.
Line 1. One word. This word symbolizes a colour or feature. The word symbolizes the atmosphere.
Line 2. Two words. These are something or someone with this colour or feature.
Line 3. Three words. Giving more information about the person or the object. You describe where the person or the object is, who the person or what the object is, or what the person or object is doing. This sentence usually starts with the word ‘he’, ‘she’ or ‘it.’
Line 4. Four words. Here you are writing something about yourself in relation to the person or the object. This sentence is your conclusion.
Line 5. One word. This word is called the ‘Bomb.’ It is the essence of the poem.
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….. and here is my attempt –
Gray
Winter sky
It saddens me
I have one hope
Spring
rhymeswithbug 
It is brief, and yet quite expressive just the same
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Have never heard of this form and I find it fascinating! You’ve done it well! Thanks for sharing this unique form! 🙂
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Nice transition from “gray” to “spring”. It is the first time I’ve heard of the elfje. Thanks for describing it and the link.
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Wonderful thought! Thank you for sharing this form and describing it. I like it and the name!
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It sounds like fun! I’ll try it. You did it justice.
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Works nicely!
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I love this form, Candy, and the path you have written from ‘Gray’ to ‘Spring’!
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Going to give the form a try – really nice!
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I had never heard of ‘Elfjes’ in this context before and it is a lovely form! ☺💖
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well done Candy – 5 line limit was hard enough but your elfie came to the rescue. Thanks for all the info – very nice mix of emotions and seasons here
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And may it come with green
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Wonderful! I’m sending your url to a friend who is “collecting” forms to try. This is such a lovely teaching tool and produces solid poetry!
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what a wonderful way to learn about language and reading for a child, I too have never heard of it and feel so privileged to read about it here. I will certainly research more into it and attempt it in future. i love gray, its a non conformal colour and the wait for spring in your poem is very urgent, a good description.
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Thanks for this informative post, Candy. This form is new to me and the brevity of it packs a punch. Your poem is a lovely example. I can’t wait for Spring!
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Thanks, Mish. Stay warm, even if only in your heart. Spring is coming, eventually.
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