What's in a name? Is it a song, spoken word poem, rap piece,
words and music piece. It's meant to be spoken and sung.
The name game explored.
Poetry Blogs, Creativity Blog, Spoken Word Blog.

JUNE 15, 2006

SPOKEN WORD? WORD PIECES? SPOKEN WORD PIECES?

I have tried, over and over, to call my word pieces, "spoken word pieces," because that's what pieces like these are commonly called. Okay, I say, they are spoken word pieces - but the term feels clumsy and clunky in my mouth. I think of shoes that don't fit right. The name for the pieces that feels natural to me is "word pieces" - for they are definitely pieces made of words.

They are not poems, as poems are usually taken to be now - pieces meant to be slowly enjoyed, the meanings delved into and gradually uncovered, and the deeper meanings elucidated only later still. No, my pieces are not that. At their best, they capture moments.

Nor do my pieces fit a traditional song format - though many have melodies and some are meant to be sung. But "songs"? I wouldn't mind calling many of them songs, but I've been told, over and over, about all the rules songs need to follow. Also, they are meant to work just as they are - no music - and songs usually don't.

That brings me back to word pieces. The term just feels right. A stubborn little voice inside me holds on to the term.

So, welcome into my world of word pieces.

As always, welcome into my world.

Elsa
creating, connecting, exchanging -
or anyway, trying to

JUNE 15, 2006

copyright © Elsa Schieder 2006
publishing house - FlufferDuff Impressions 2006

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