Prosody Assignment 2 – Matching Accents

Part Two - Matching Accents

Assuming each of the following is the first stanza of a refrain. Write a second stanza, matching the prosody exactly. That is to say, if there is a subtle accent in the third foot of the second line, match that same subtlety with a similarly subtle word in the same location in the second stanza. Match the syllables, one for one, and the accents which are associated with them. Exactly. No fudging whatsoever; the point of this exercise is to distinguish subtleties of accent, and to sharpen your skills at replicating them.

Don’t worry about rhyme.

Example: Here’s what you’re to match

The fly that’s in my soup

Is taunting me to death.

So here’s what you write:

The waiter that I’ve called

Will say I put it there.

(Note the “IN” of the first line, a weak syllable sitting in a potentially accented location...it’s matched with “THAT” -- equally weak.)

2.1

The people who have gone the distance

Have an excellent existence.

2.2

My family has always been

Of great support to you and me.

2.3

Terrible rainstorms are gathering by the shore:

Everyone hurry inside for the barbecue.

2.4

Why the hurrying, young fella?

Can’t ya help a Cinderella?

2.5

A college dorm has always had

Such great appeal for guys like me.

2.6

Methinks I saw a black black cat.

I’m frightened what will come of that.

2.7

Six sprinklers spray the cars

And wash them clean again.

2.8

Nipping my nose with an icicle,

Jack Frost is making me shivery.