Rictameter

[Tinker]

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry
Invented Forms

The Rictameter is a popular invented verse form that has popped up on the internet in the last decade. No one seems to take credit as the source.  I did find that ShadowPoetry.com does have a slightly different element, in that the first and last 2 syllable word be the same.  However, at various other sites, the first 2 syllables need not be a single word and the last 2 syllables need not be the same as the first 2 syllables. 

The elements of the Rictameter are:

1. a 9 line poem.
2. syllabic verse with graduated then diminishing number of syllables 2-4-6-8-10-8-6-4-2.
3. optional: begin and end the poem with the same 2 syllable word or words.
4. rhymed or unrhymed, if rhymed the scheme is at the discretion of the poet.
5. suitable for light verse or a more serious tone.
   
   Listening by Judi Van Gorder 2-1-03
   
   Silence,
   a hushed haven
   surrounds me with its song.
   An anthem of stillness, clean, clear,
   opening me to thoughtful reflection.
   Serene sounds of near nothingness
   rouse creativity,
   poetic tones
   emerge.
   
   Memo to Hotshot Judi Van Gorder 10/18/02
   
   crackpot,
   what twisted thought
   brings you to stalk and slay
   without a care or least concern
   for the innocents you select to burn?
   to hide in search of unarmed prey
   will surely end some day
   and you in turn,
   forgot.
                 in response to news reports of the New Jersey Sniper

[Tinker]

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