IMAGINARY GARDEN
We are asked to write a HUITAIN, a verse form popular in the 16th century.
The layout is 10 syllables, 8 lines and an ababbcbc scheme.
LANTERNS
The lanterns hung from all the trees around,
With darkness made bewitching by their light.
They cast great pools of gold upon the ground,
And gave an air of mystery to night.
Like swinging orbs of flame, they seemed so bright
That shadows were more velvet and more deep.
The moon looked down from an enormous height;
An oasis in a world enmeshed in sleep.
*
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SYLVAN DECEPTION!
Take a quick glance! It's a sylvan scene
With lots of foliage, very green.
Not remarkable at all;
Sentimental, overall.
But then look closer at this shot,
And think of Mr Mandelbrot!
Because these trees are broccoli,
Each piece resembling a little tree!
Look closely and you can't escape
That the small resembles the larger shape!
Natural symmetry in all things,
From our two hands to robins' wings.
We find the most attractive faces
Are symmetrical in most cases.
Frost on glass is fractal too;
By repetition, that's how it grew.
And Mr Mandelbrot discovered
That fractals had the whole world covered!
The broccoli resembles trees
And our lungs are fractals such as these!
Look around and you'll will spot
Endless homage to Mandelbrot!
*
