A ballad

[milo]

Thanks for clarifying, and I'm fine with that - the word has a fairy tale effect (which I seem to have wanted). But a demo of the general problem I mentioned can be found at a web site called Pretend Genius, and dozens (if not more) of self-proclaimed pundits prohibit 'shard' for no robust reason I can establish. A lot of folk seem to assume that only everyday vernacular is acceptable in poetry, but I think that narrows our options too much. For example I've used the word 'fardel' (last seen in the mouth of Hamlet maybe) because of its delightful double meaning - a burden, or a quarter part of something. Words are amazing companions, provided one gives them enough attention, both as writer and as reader.

You are preaching to the choir but if you really do want to have a discussion on it feel free to open a thread in the discussion forum - it’s a great topic you seem passionate about