Harlequin

In the novel I'm writing, one of the characters writes a prophetic song. However, I describe the actual vision, which he can't remember except through the song lyrics. I consider myself a fair poet, but I don't know if I should include the song in the story. What do you think about poetry in novels?

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Harlequin

Thanks. The prophecy is actually pretty crucial to the story, so I think I'll write up the song and post it. Would it go in Song Lyrics or Poetry? It really doesn't have music that goes with it.

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Peter Thomas

I'd actually be tempted to put it right here. After all, the thread is called "Should I include it?", so this seems like a fair spot

I think as long as it holds meaning, then by all means include it.

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mammamaia

harlequin... i'm a full time poet and onetime lyricist, so if you need help with it, let me know... you could post it here or in poetry, but unless it's a modern-day setting, i don't see any benefit to posting it in the lyrics section...

hugs, maia

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Sparx

I think you should include it. It will allow the reader to be able to see how the lyrics so they could also read the words and imagine in there heads how the character would sing it. Its much better, than just saying the character was merely singing a song.

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Anidazen

I'd say it depends:

If you're going to hype it up, then it's very risky to include it.

For example, a book I'm reading describes the best poetry ever written and has a little story of the poet's life, and how appreciated the works are. If the writer had attempted to include the poems, that would of been an obviously awkward move.

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Fidelity

Yeah. Keep adding the hype to the poem-prophecy, but don't ever actually write it out.

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Harlequin

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Mammamaia, I'll always appreciate advice, especially from a pro, but I'm still deciding on whether or not to include it. It's not supposed to be the best song ever, but what it says is important.

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