[Dixielandjazz] John Cage and poetry (Mesostic)

[Bill Gunter]

Listmates,

Cage is supposed to have invented a poetic form called mesostic.

Basically this is a type of acrostic in which the actual message in a poem 
is contained in a vertical array of letters (usually the first letter of 
each line).

In the mesostic, the message is contained in a vertical array of letters 
found in each of the lines. The specific letter is identified by the use of 
Upper Case.

Here is an example of a mesostic poem. Just read the Upper Case letters down 
(one in each line).

we know By faith and hope
that all perceived is Under construction
and the unfinished Layers of noise
land softly upon Listening ears
which Shape that magnificent edifice
we call the Happy castle
to be found In the clouds
of Tomorrow.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Gunter
jazzboard at hotmail.com