a/the

How many poets does it take to change a light bulb?
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Macavity
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Sun Sep 17, 2017 2:58 am

Is there any justification to end a line with a/the?

For me, it weakens a line: the line tails off at a point of emphasis.

Perhaps the notion is to create a dramatic pause. If so, is it too obvious a device?

Enjambment feels most effective when the elaboration is unexpected.

best

mac
Antcliff
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Sat Sep 23, 2017 8:43 pm

Inclined to agree, Mac. On both points.
We fray into the future, rarely wrought
Save in the tapestries of afterthought.
Richard Wilbur
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