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A palinode or palinody is an ode or song that retracts or recants a view or sentiment to what the poet wrote in a previous poem. 

The first recorded use of a palinode is in a poem by Stesichorus in the 7th century BC, in which he retracts his earlier statement that the Trojan War was all the fault of Helen.[1]

Palinodes have also been created by many medieval writers such as Augustine, Bede, Giraldus Cambrensis, Jean de Meun, Andreas Capellanus, Guittone d’Arezzo.

In 1895, Gelett Burgess wrote his famous poem, the Purple Cow:

I never saw a purple cow.
I never hope to see one.
But I can tell you anyhow
I’d rather see than be one.

Later in his life, he followed it with this palinode:

Ah yes, I wrote the purple cow!
I’m sorry now I wrote it!
But I can tell you anyhow,
I’ll kill you if you quote it!

Odgen Nash once quoted: “Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker.”

Ogden Nash wrote a palinode in relation to his most famous poem about the dandiness of candy, and quickness of liquor:

Nothing makes me sicker
than liquor
and candy
is too expandy

Here is another poem by Monica Youn.

Palinode

Monica Youn

1.

a bird / falls off / a balcony / panicked grasping / fistfuls of / air

2.

I was wrong
please I was
wrong please I
wanted nothing please
I don’t want

The writing challenge is to write a palinode. This can be in relation to a poem you have written before (please link or include prior poem), or as part of poem e.g. Palinode by Monica Youn.

Here’s how to join in:
  • Write a poem based on the writing challenge as described above. Post it on your blog or website.
  • Enter your name and direct link to your poem in Mr. Linky.
  • Remember to check the box re: privacy policy.
  • Follow the links to other poets. Read and comment on other poems.  We all appreciate feedback on our poems.
  • Link back to dVerse so others can find us too.
  • Have fun!

See you in the poetry trail!   Grace