Last week, I posted my first attempt at a bop poem. I then realized that, since I didn’t know what a bop poem was until recently, I should probably do a quick how-to on writing one.

So, here we go!

History of the Bop Poem

The “Bop” style of poetry is a much newer form that’s still catching on in the poetry world.

It’s attributed to author and poet Afaa Michael Weaver, who created the form during a summer retreat for Cave Canem (a writing association for the professional growth of African-American poets) sometime in the early 2000s.

Even though it is a young form, the bob is slowly becoming popular with poets who enjoy the poetic argument of a sonnet and the repetition of a refrain.

How to Write a Bop

A bop consists of three stanzas and a refrain. The first stanza is six lines long and presents a problem. The second stanza is eight lines long and expands or explores the problem. The third stanza is six lines long and either solves the problem, or records the failure.

Each stanza is followed by the refrain.

Otherwise, there’s no limit to the length or meter, and you can play with rhymes (like a traditional sonnet) or leave it unrhymed.

Bop Examples

Since the bop is a newer form, I can’t share other examples without permission. However, I can share links!

Rambling by Afaa Michael Weaver

Boplicity by Daniel B. Summerhill

Leading a Horse to Water by Erynn Crittenden

Those are a few examples of a “Bop” style poem, and I’m working on a new one to share with you on Wednesday!

Even through the form is new, it’s a fun way to experiment with mixing styles and wording. To learn more about the Bop, check out these articles from Poets.org and Writer’s Digest.

Have you ever written a Bop? Let me know in the comments!