Top 5 Buffyverse Poems by thenewbuzwuzz

[thewiggins]

thenewbuzwuzz is a staple of the online BtVS fandom. She not only participates here each year, but helps run Seasonal Spuffy and the Sunnydale Herald. But one of her greatest contributions to the fandom, in my opinion, is her advocacy for poetry as a fanwork medium. I certainly never would have tried it if it hadn't been for her inspiration. Here are a few of my favorite buzwuzz poems.

The Limericked Adventures of Bob the Hellmouth Cop
This was the poem that started it all for me. It was the winner of a contest on the now sadly defunct Sunnydale Fanfic Club podcast and her episode opened my eyes to the potential of fandom poetry. (Actually, the podcast wound up introducing us both to each other's work, eventually leading to our ongoing beta exchange.)

The poem itself is priceless. Using the limerick format to explore the POV of a clueless Sunnydale cop is just too good. I mean, consider this stanza:
Recruitment is not black and white,
but please tell Patrice that one might,
when dealing with students,
consider it prudent
to shoot only after they bite.

Enough said.


Tick Tock
This one is so moving. A look at Angel's thoughts in I Will Remember You, Tick Tock is as heartrending as anything referencing that episode ought to be. According to the tags, she wrote this in 15 minutes flat. Which is impressive because it doesn't feel rushed at all. In fact the poem feels like a poignant moment of frozen time.

Haikus Illegal in Several States
From Bangel to Spuffy because, hey, buzwuzz has range. I love this one so much. The Something Blue setting is always fun but buzwuzz's interpretation is extra cool because Spike is musing about (sexy) ways to break the law with Buffy in every state. The weirdness of some of the regional laws still on the book in various US locals makes for a surprising and charming framing device for Spike's sudden smitteness.

Blackout Poem: Some Assembly Required
My personal favorite of buzwuzz' blackout poetry series. She uses the Frankenstein-y themes of Some Assembly Required as an eerily effective metaphor for season 6 Spuffy.

The Ballad of Wishverse Giles
Last but certainly not least, The Ballad of Wishverse Giles. I see that this one's already been rec'ed here, but how could I do a post about buzwuzz' poetry and skip this one? Giles' arc in the Wishverse is used as a beautiful metaphor for living through difficult times and retaining hope. Just lovely.

Comments

[yourlibrarian]

It is definitely one of those under-created (and under-recced) forms! And also not that likely to wind up on AO3, so thanks for the list!

[thewiggins]

My pleasure! Hope you enjoy them. :)

[thenewbuzwuzz]

Yay!

[sparrow2000]

I love that fandom love fosters creativity in so many different ways. thenewbuzwuzz is indeed a stalwart of our fandom, so this is a lovely tribute to a talented creator.

[thewiggins]

Isn't she? I honestly have no idea how she does it all. And thank you :)

[thenewbuzwuzz]

thank you! <3

[thenewbuzwuzz]

Awww, thank you very much for the kind words! :))) You've picked some of my own favorites.

"Actually, the podcast wound up introducing us both to each other's work"
You're not wrong, though we did briefly run into each other during Seasonal Spuffy Spring 2017. You had an opinion about meerkat!Snyder. :)

And I've been wondering if people in the US can still enjoy a cute cop poem after this summer, so good to know.

The reason "Tick Tock" didn't take time is because I didn't write any of it, strictly speaking. I just rearranged. Well, I'm glad it works!

Also, making the post poetry-themed was extra sweet and thoughful of you. <3

[double_dutchess]

I wholeheartedly endorse this rec list! I'm not much of a poetry reader TBH, but I enjoyed all of these. Also, very much agreed with the sentiment expressed at the start of the post.

[thenewbuzwuzz]

<3