It's catching on like wildfire, this new poetry form based on the Fibonacci sequence. In that sequence, each number is the sum of the two previous numbers. So: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144...
Any sequence that gets me to 144 is okay in my book.
The poems use the first seven numbers to designate the number of syllables in a seven-line poem. The first line has zero syllables, so it's invisible. I still count it, though, just to prove I am a geek.
The fact that Fibonacci is featured in The DaVinci Code shouldn't be enough to disqualify these poems from consideration. The fact that the form tends to attract math buffs might lead me to doubt that literary heights will be reached with this metaphorical ladder.
I just think it's fun that it spread over the internet, so I'm doing my part. I read about 35 "fibs" tonight and never found one better than the one the New York Times used to introduce its article:
Blogs
spread
gossip
and rumor
But how about a
Rare, geeky form of poetry?
That's by the originator, Gregory Pincus. He has plenty more on his website Gottabook.
Update 4/23/06: I've been corrected by the Fibber Himself--I'm honored--the fib I quoted above was apparently penned by Motoko Rich, the author of the New York Times article. That would have been clear to me if I had thought about it for a second. Sorry, Motoko. And thanks for stopping by, Gregory!
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3 comments:
Just in time for Geek Easter! Oh, wait... that's not right.
Well, actually in the case of my family it is. We're geeks and we're proud.
The receptionist at my company sends out emails all the time. You know, about office supplies and building rules. But she hard returns after every sentence and puts commas in strange places so her stuff always looks like poetry.
This one is titled Guernsey Catalogs
If you have one of the front desk Guernsey Catalogs,
and aren't using it, please return it to the front desk.
I normally have four, but have none right now.
-!-
That's
so
funny!
Do you think
She is a poet
Or just completely ignorant?
I'd just like to note that I didn't actually write that Fib about blogs spreading gossip. I believe Motoko Rich of the Times wrote it. However, if you want to give me credit despite my denials, I'll happily take it!
Thanks for the link and the Fibbing.
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