If the Phantom of the Opera... by Adam Rex

...Can't Get "Pop Goes the Weasel" Out of His Head He's Going to Freak Out

All around the Opera House
The Phantom throws a tantrum.
The song won't die – he doesn't know why.
"Stop!" goes the phantom.

Though the title is longer than the poem referring to "Pop Goes the Weasel" rhythm and meter are established while reading the poem. It makes sense after reading it a couple of times. This is one of four poems dedicated to the Phantom of the Opera in "Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich" by Adam Rex. The book features famous monsters in nursery rhyme verse.

Looking at the poem, it could be written in any meter. In fact, I was initially confused. Poets find a way to express the rhythm through emphasis of words or marking out a reoccurring meter as a template. A steady rhythm creates a chant to make a poem more memorable and enjoyable.

The meaning behind the poem is obvious. The Phantom of the Opera has a song stuck in his mind; therefore, everything thought follows the same pattern.

Having a song in your mind or type of rhythm is a good idea. Regardless of whether the reader, "get's it;" the writing process easier and fun while maintaining structure. As an additional musing for the reader contemporary writers often write new music with words. Using a popular song as a hint is like cheating; however, this poem explains rhythm and meter without the additional jargon.

Quirky Books
Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex