SMS poetry
The SMS (Short Message Service) protocol that is used for sending text
messages on cell phones has a limitation of 160 characters. Because such a
terrible number of people use SMS'es daily, many have gotten used to this limitation.
This has gone so far, that a few poets have published books of SMS poetry -
i.e poems that are less than 160 characters.
You may laugh now.
But seriously: Writing SMS poetry actually demands quite some writing skill
by the poet - 160 characters is not a lot. Actually, this very paragraph is
fairly exactly 160 characters long
This has led to two things: ppl strt t wrt lk
ths, and also: Poets have a new challenge.
Characteristics of SMS poetry:
- It is shorter than 160 characters.
- It is often quite urban.
- It (usly) dnt use t tpcl shrt
SMS spk.
- It is often observing city life quite casually.
- The poet usually sends the poem to one person, and then forgets about it.
Most of it is shite, but every now and then a true gem shows up.
- SMS poetry is closely related to Haiku because of the limited space of
making a point.
Some SMS poetry written by yours truly:
- From behind a bus window. Police cars rushing past. A beggar in the rain.
A kick to the groin. Leaving me behind alone. But I am still dreaming about
you. And I think you know it
- The cigarette between your fingers seems to be burning slower than normal.
Extinguished by your tears. But this time there was nothing I could do
- I have learnt to fly today. Flying with you seems to be what keeps me alive.
Running down the hills. Jumping. We never fly for long.