The Structuralists

The Structuralists are noted for the structural complexity or innovative beauty of their poems. Among their practitioners, Pamela Anderson naturally springs to mind, but a number of others show similar technical virtuosity.

Waka Flocka Flame

b. 1986

With this intricate poem, rapper Waka Flocka Flame proves that he is indeed “ahead of y’all”—and ahead of the reader as well.

Like Bro, I’mma, Y’all: Sharp Yet Random Ruminations

Like damn, my brain like so—

like bro, I’m so sharp.

Bro, I could play Scooby

on the camera—

then they think I’m dumb . . .

So really y’all just playin’ y’all self.

Y’all in a ring with y’all self. . . .

So I’mma play mind games with them . . .

But bro, I’m so ahead of y’all . . .

Pamela Anderson

b. 1967

Actress Pamela Anderson uses a variation on parallel construction, opening with a declarative “I guess” sentence, then closing with one as well. Unlike Ms. Anderson, the reader surely “gets it.”

Thoughts on a Dumb Blonde Stereotype

I guess ignorance is bliss—

When I do interviews people always say,

“Aren’t you upset that people make fun of you?”

And I’m like,

“Are they making fun of me?”

I guess I just don’t get it.

Jan Brewer

b. 1944

Note how Arizona governor Jan Brewer uses a highly structured form to evolve from the past participle to the past tense.

We Have Did

I have, uh, done so much

and I just cannot believe that we have changed everything

since I have become your governor in the last 600 days.

Arizona has been brought back from its abyss.

We have cut the budget.

We have balanced the budget and

we are moving forward.

We have done everything we could possibly do.

We have did what was right for Arizona.

Taylor Momsen

b. 1993

The following—a technical tour de force by self-styled rocker/actress Taylor Momsen—is, one must say, “totally” brilliant with its formalized use of adverbs.

Totally Taylor

I see myself as totally insane.

I’m totally moody.

Of course.

And I’m totally out of my mind.

And I’m always

myself.