Andrew's Wiki
Poetry Systems

Poem #1

For two nodes

This work consists of:

1. A randomizing device (gameboard and six-sided die)
   1. This device should be laid out in similar fashion to a Monopoly board.
   2. Each space upon the device will be numbered with a unique marker
   3. Between 45 and 60 lines is the recommended number of spaces. The exact number and shape of the board should be agreed upon by the performers prior to reading the poem
2. A numbered collection of lines (the line bank)
   1. Lines may be original compositions, sampled words, or a combination of both

Performance proceeds as follows:

1. A line is selected by the operator of the randomizing device rolling a six-sided die, moving a gamepiece around the randomizing device and announcing the numbered space in which the gamepiece rests
2. The operator of the line bank readers the line cooresponding to the number previously spoken by the randomizing device’s operator.

The performance continues until a number of lines, previously agreed upon by the ensemble, has been read.

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Poem #2 (Haiku)

For three nodes

This work consists of:

1. Three line banks that have the following regulations:
   1. Two line banks contain only lines of exactly five syllables.
   2. A third line bank contains only lines of exactly seven syllables.
   3. The line banks shall be bowl-like objects (hats, bowls, etc.) and will contain either numbered references to lines printed elsewhere or paper print-outs of lines. These lines should be stored in the bank such that each bank’s operator cannot see the contents of any lines stored.

The three operators of line banks perform the piece in a horizontal line, seated facing the audience. The arrangement in the line, from stage left to stage right is:

1. One bank of five syllable lines
2. One bank of seven syllable lines
3. One bank of five syllable lines

The reading consists of the following actions: moving from stage left to stage right, each node chooses a line from the line bank, and the operator reads the line aloud. Upon reading a line, the operator may either place the line back in the line bank or discard it; this matter should be decided upon by all node operators before the start of the reading.

After each operator has read a line, the poem is complete.

Multiple readings of the poem are encouraged within the same, larger reading.

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Notes

• How would you make a sestina generating system?