Forms Unique to Shadow Poetry

[Tinker]

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry
Invented Forms

Shadow Poetry is a poetry community that has been on line since 2000. It encourages poets to "walk out of the shadows with their poetry". It is a popular site with on line poets who, though they may not be contributing members, use the site as a resource. Often they return to their own communities with some new challenge they found at Shadow Poetry or with a new poem inspired by the site's resources. The following forms were found either exclusive to that site or appear to have been invented by Shadow members. Some of these forms are better thought out than others.

7/5 Trochee is an invented stanzaic form, the defining feature is use of catalectic trochaic meter.  It was created by Andrea Dietrich for which she offers a couple of variations. The elements of the 7/5 Trochee are:

1. stanzaic, a minimum of 2 quatrains.
2. metered, trochaic meter (Stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable) with catalectic end words (dropping the unstressed syllable at the end), (L1 and L3 Su Su Su S) (L2 and L4 Su Su S).    L1 & L3 are trochaic tetrameter and L2 & L4 are trochaic tri-meter.
3. rhymed, variable rhyme schemes available, abab cdcd etc. or axax bxbx etc. x being unrhymed or (a/a)x(b/b)x (c/c)x(d/d)x etc with (internal rhyme) in L1 and L3, x being unrhymed. Internal rhyme variable (a/a)b(c/c)b (the internal rhyme may be placed anywhere within the 1st half of the line.) x a x x x x a - x x x x b - x x c x x x c - x x x x b
   
   The meter should be a S=stress u=unstressed with the end trochee dropping the unstressed syllable.
   Su Su Su S
   Su Su S
   Su Su Su S
   Su Su S
   
   Family Fight Night by Judi Van Gorder
   
   From the den comes shouts and groans 
   watching boxers dance.
   Punches, dodges, muscles,  bones 
   crunch, they hold their stance.
   
   Fight on pay per view tonight,
   guys around TV.
   Wives in kitchen share a bite
   while the kids run free.

A L'Arora is a stanzaic invented verse form. It was created by Laura Lamarca. The defining features of The L'Arora are:

1. stanzaic, written in any number of alternating sixains and couplets.
2. unmetered.
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme xxxxxa xa xxxxxb xb xxxxxc xc xxxxxd xd etc. x being unrhymed.
   
   Route 91 Harvest Festival by Judi Van Gorder
   
   Three day venue of fun,
   down home western music
   blares from concert stage
   where three thousand gather
   to listen to country stars.
   Finale just begun.
   
   Popping sounds intervene
   rapid sound from a gun
   
   Fans crouched in the darkness
   bullets skipped off the ground,
   ricocheted into the crowd.
   Chaos, panic and pain,
   hundreds running, wounded.
   Fifty eight dead tonight.
   
   High up across the way,
   coward leaves no insight.

The Alouette (French for Skylark) is a stanzaic invented form with a syllabic meter which is meant to be an expression of the skylark's song.  The form is syllabic with a recommended prominent stress in the 3^rd syllable of each line. It was created by Jan Turner. The elements of the Alouette are:

1. stanzaic, any number of sixains.
2. syllabic , 5-5-7-5-5-7 syllables per line with the prominent stress in the 3^rd syllable of each line.
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme aabccb ddeffe gghiih etc.
   
   Month of August by Judi Van Gorder
   
   Begun as month six,
   eighth after the fix,
   named for Emperor of Rome.
   Just thirty-one days,
   in hot summer haze
   Augustus ascended his throne.

The Blitz Poem is a recent invented verse form found on line at Shadow Poetry, it was created by a New York, English teacher and poet,Robert Keim. As the name implies it is meant to be written with a rush of phrases and images in rapid repetition as if creating a sudden and intense attack on the senses. It is a kind of twisted Chain Verse. The elements of the Blitz are:

1. stanzaic, written in 25 couplets, a total of 50 lines.
2. unmetered. Lines should be short, but at least 2 words, like rapid fire.
3. unrhymed.
4. composed with words that are repeated from line to line in a chain like pattern:

• L1 A short phrase, can be cliché.
• L2 The first word of L1 is repeated as the first word of L2. From here on, the last word of the even numbered line is repeated as the first word of each line in the next couplet through L48.
• L49 is the repetition of the last word of L48. (1 word line only)
• L50 is the repetition of the last word of L47. (1 word line only)
• unpunctuated.
• titled, which includes the first word of L3 and L47 bridged by a conjunction or preposition.      

Faith and Hope                by Judi Van Gorder                                 Sonoma strong             Sonoma faith             Faith and grit             Faith fleeing             Fleeing in fear             Fleeing the storm             Storm of fire             Storm of loss             Loss of home             Loss in a roar             Roar through trees             Roar sending sparks             Sparks fly             Sparks ignite grass                       Grass burns             Grass then homes.

Homes of years Homes of families Families scattered Families missing all All  treasures All threatened Threatened by smoke Threatened by fire Fire surrounds                                            Fire devours Devours survival Devours escape  Escape to safe haven Escape the flames Flames heat unbearable Flames scatter pets. Pets left behind Pet abandoned to fend

Fend for themselves Fend with wildlife Wildlife scorched Wildlife wounded Wounded is our spirit Wounded but not broken Broken dreams Broken future Future hopes Future in process Process to cope Process to survive Survive this moment Survive with hope Hope survives.

The Brevette is a small verse form invented by Emily Romano, Shadow Poetry and is almost the same frame as the Trio without the rhyme. It is defined by its brevity.  The elements of the Brevette are:

1. a tristich, a poem in 3 lines,
2. composed in 3 words, a subject (noun), verb, and object (noun) in that order. The words are not limited by syllable count, "but the poem should have balance". It was suggested that the verb be spaced to give it the appearance of on going action.
3. unrhymed.
   poet
   p e n s
   prosody
      --- jvg This is not going to be high poetry.

Cascade is a verse form found at Shadow Poetry that attempts to capture "the smooth cascading rhythm of a waterfall". It is set up with repeated lines similar to a Pantun. It was created by Udit Bhatia. The elements of the Cascade are:

1. stanzaic, made up of 4 tercets or 5 quatrains or 6 cinquains or 7 sixains etc.
2. accentual, the rhythm of natural speech.
3. unrhymed.
4. composed with a refrain. The lines of the first stanza are sequentially repeated as the last line of the subsequent stanzas. ABC xxA xxB xxC or ABCD xxxA xxxB xxxC xxxD or ABCDE xxxxA xxxxB xxxxC xxxxD xxxxE, x being unrhymed.
   
   Vote by Judi Van Gorder
   
   I have a voice
   You have a voice
   We have a voice
   
   I'm not being coy
   I speak my passion
   I have a voice
   
   Time to make a choice
   What is your vote?
   You have a voice.
   
   We can rejoice
   Together we are strong.
   We have a voice.

Cinq Trois Deca La Rhyme an invented form found at Shadow Poetry, created by Laura Lamarca.  The elements of the Cinq Trois Deca La Rhyme are:

1. a decastich, a poem in 10 lines.
2. syllabic, 15 syllables per line.
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme aabbcccabc.

Clarity Pyramid was invented by Jerry P Quinn and is another form found at Shadow Poetry. This verse focuses on defining the first word of the poem. The elements of the Clarity Pyramid are:

1. a heptastich, made up a 2 tercets followed by a single line.
2. syllabic, L1 1 syllable, L2 2 syllables, L3 3 syllables, L4 4 syllables, L5 5 syllables, L6 6 syllables and the last L7 is 7 syllables.
3. L1 is capitalized and is the theme and title of the poem.
4. L2 and L3 are synonyms for L1.
5. L4, L5, L6 provide concrete images of L1.
6. L7 is a phrase to define L1 (this line is written with quotation marks)
7.  often centered on the page
   
   TIME 
   moment
   eternal
   a second hand moves
   without haste or concern
   moving in circumference
   "which antiquates antiquities".
   
   "Time which antiquates antiquities, and hath an art to make dust of all things." by Sir Thomas Brown (1605-1682) Religio Medici

Compound Word Verse is an invented verse form that uses a stem word from the title to end each stanza in a compound form. Created by Margaret R Smith and found at Shadow Poetry. (stem word = rain) stanza end words could be rainbow, rainfall, raincoat, raindrop, rainstorm etc. The elements of the Compound Word Verse are:

1. stanzaic, written in 5 tercets.
2. syllabic, 8-8-3 syllables per line.
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme aax bbx ccx ddx eex; x being unrhymed.
4. each tercet ends with a compound of a stem word in the title.
   
   Beyond the Grave by Judi Van Gorder 

The Constanza is a woven poem similar in effect to the Cleave or Trigee.It was invented by Connie Marcum Wong and can be found at Shadow Poetry. The elements of the Constanza are:

1. stanzaic, written in 3 or more tercets.
2. syllabic, 8 syllable lines.
3. rhymed, the a stanzaic linking rhyme carried by L1 of each tercet followed by rhymed couplets. abb acc add aee aff etc.
4. composed so that if L1 of each tercet was read in sequence it should create a stand alone poem. L2 and L3 of each tercet is an expansion on the first line woven in to give deeper understanding, thus creating 2 poems in one.

The Con-Verse created by Connie Marcum Wong, is an invented verse form similar to Converse in Couplets. Although the Shadow Poetry description doesn't require it be written as exchanged dialogue, the name infers it. The elements of the Con-Verse are:

1. stanzaic, written in 5 couplets. For a longer poem, repeat the pattern.
2. syllabic, 7-7 8-8 9-9 10-10 11-11 syllables, in that sequence.
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme aa bb cc dd ee.
   
   Conversation at the Office by Judi Van Gorder

The Decuain seems to be a 10 x 10 poem, found only at Shadow Poetry and created by Shelley A. Cephas. The elements of the Decuain are:

1. stanzaic, written in any number of 10 line stanzas.
2. metered, iambic pentameter or 10 syllables.
3. rhymed, ababbcbcaa, ababbcbcbb, or ababbcbccc.

The Diatelle is similar to the etheree but longer and with rhyme. It can be found at Shadow Poetry and was created by Bradley Vrooman. The elements of the Diatelle are:

1. 15 line poem.
2. syllabic, 1-2-3-4-6-8-10-12-10-8-6-4-3-2-1,
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme abbcbccaccbcbba.
4. often center aligned which creates a diamond shape.
   
   A Book in My Nook by Judi Van Gorder

The Duo-rhyme turns on only 2 rhymes. It was found at Shadow Poetry and was created by Mary L. Ports. The elements of the Duo-rhyme are:

1. either a decastich or a dodecastich, at the choice of the poet.
2. metered, iambic tetrameter.
3. rhymed, aabbbbbbaa or aabbbbbbbbaa.

Epulaeryu verse is a homage to the main course of a meal. It was created and named by Joseph Spence Sr. after his experience in the Mediterranean and Far East, obviously enjoying the culinary arts there. It was found at Shadow Poetry. The elements of the Epulaeryu are:

1. a heptastich, a poem in 7 lines.
2. syllabic, 7-5-7-5-5-3-1 syllable per line.
3. punctuated with an exclamation mark at the end of L7!
4. composed with one thought per line focused on the main course of a meal. The final line should express the poet's emotion regarding the meal.
5. rhymed at the poet's discretion.
   
   Comfort Food by Judi Van Gorder
   
   Nothing exotic tonight
   just down home cooking
   but it fills up the stomach
   and tantalizes
   taste buds with goodness
   Mom's Pot Pie,
   Yum!

Essence is a rhyming hexasyllabic couplet with internal rhyme with a twist. Normally in English prosody "internal rhyme" refers to a word within the line rhyming with the end word of that line or the end word of the previous line. However in this verse form internal rhyme refers to words from somewhere within the line rhyming internally within the next line, it could be 1 or 2 rhymes. (This could be tricky in only 6 short syllables.) Found at ShadowPoetry.com and attributed to Emily Romano, published in P.O.E.T. magazine in 1981. The elements of the Essence are:

1. stanzaic, written in any number of couplets.
2. syllabic, hexasyllabic lines.
3. end rhymed as well as interlaced rhyme. x b x x c a b x c x x a The b and c interlaced rhymes may be placed in any position within the lines, the c rhyme is optional.
   
   Two short lines with end rhyme
   sort within, tend to time.  ---Judi Van Gorder

The Florette was invented by Jan Turner. It appears to be her attempt to emulate in poetic form, the growth of a flower by lengthening the last line of each stanza longer than the others, showing growth. The Florette is stanzaic, written in any number of either quatrains or cinquains:

When written in quatrains the elements of the Florette are:

1. syllabic, quatrains 8-8-8-12
2. rhymed, quatrains aaba ccdc etc with internal cross rhyme from L3 to L4. 
   x x x x x x x a
   x x x x x x x a
   x x x x x x x b
   x x x x x x x b x x x a
3. enjambed, L3 and L4 must be enjambed without endstop in L3.
   Prelude by Judi Van Gorder             I'm Broke by Judi Van Gorder

When written in cinquains the elements of the Florette # 2 are:

1. metric, accentual syllabic, L1 thru L4 iambic tetrameter (4 metric feet) and L5 iambic heptameter (6 metric feet).
2. rhymed, aabba ccddc etc. no internal rhyme suggested.
3. enjambment not a requirement.

The Grá Reformata, is an invented expansion of the Villanelle created by Michael King.  The elements of the Grá Reformata are:

1. a verse form written with alternating 5 tercets and 4 couplets and ending in a quatrain, a poem in 27 lines.
2. iambic pentameter
3. alternating L1 and L3 of the first tercet as a refrain in L3 of subsequent tercets
4. ending the poem with a refrain taken from L1 and L3 in the first stanza.
5. written with only 2 end rhymes with a rhyme scheme of A¹bA² xx abA¹ xx abA² xx abA¹ xx abA² xx abA¹A².  x being unrhymed.

The HexSonnetta is a verse form that is an invented variation of the sonnet. The form created by Andrea Dietrich has short lines and a prescribed pivot. "hex" meaning 6 is supported by the 2 septets and the 6 syllable lines. The elements of the HexSonnetta are:

1. a quatorzain made up of 2 sestets followed by a rhymed couplet.
2. metered, iambic trimeter.
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme abbaab cddccd ee.
4. turned, the pivot occurs between the septets and the exclamatory couplet sums up the 2 sestets and provides the solution to the problem set up in the 2 sestets.
   
   A Case For Blue
   
   The blue above speaks hope
   to all who see its hue.
   Its truth inspires a new
   designed kaleidoscope 
   The only color to stop,
   maintain its nature true.
   
   Its clarity provides
   an ease to fill my lungs
   with earth's many songs
   I breathe in air that slides
   in nostrils flared and wide,
   essential to live strong.
   
   It's unimportant which
   of many tints to switch.
                      ~~Judi Van Gorder

Inverted Refrain is an invented form found at Shadow Poetry, created by the winner of their 2007 Chap Book Competition, Jan Turner and published in Faery Folk and Fireflies.I believe the form took its name from the rhetorical device, "inverted refrain", originally used by the ancient Greek poet Sappho. "Inverted refrain" is a writing technique in which the syntax of a line is reversed. eg ..the Sapphic line "I know not what to do". I am not sure that the composition instruction at Shadow Poetry exactly fits the literary definition of "inverted refrain" but the form could still be a fun challenge to conquer as long as it enhances the delivery of the poet's thoughts. The elements of the Inverted Refrain as an invented verse form are:

1. stanzaic, written in any number of sixains, made up of a quatrain followed by an indented couplet.
2. syllabic, all lines are 8 syllables.
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme ababab or ababba, cdcdcd or cdcddc etc.
4. composed in the following manner, "the first four lines of a stanza create a statement from which the last 2 lines extract the meaning, and invert the way it is said." Jan Turner @Shadow Poetry
   
   Finding Faeries by Jan Turner (stanza 1) the whole poem can be read at Shadow Poetry.
   
   A sprinkling shine of faery dust
   is mica-layered on the rocks
   Pretending to be nature's crust
   It really is a paradox:
   --------- A paradox of mica rocks
               From faery dust on nature's crust.

The Joseph's Star is an invented stanzaic form which follows a prescribed syllabic pattern. This is unlike many such patterns because it demands a complete phrase or thought in each line. The elements of the Joseph's Star are:

1. stanzaic, written in any number octaves.
2. syllabic, 1-3-5-7-7-5-3-1 syllables per line.
3. unrhymed.
4. composed with each line a complete phrase or thought.

The La Charta (Latin- charta = poem) is an invented stanzaic form by Laura Lamarca with a structured tumbling rhyme.  The elements of the LaCharta are:

1. stanzaic, written in any number of sixains, minimum 3.
2. metric, accentual syllabic, iambic tetrameter.
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme aaaabb ccccdd eeeeff etc.
   
   The Boy Who Loved Laughter by Judi Van Gorder

The LaJemme is an invented verse form with a changing metric pattern and cross rhyming specific to the 4th syllable of the next line, created by Laura Lamarca and Jem Farmer. It seems a little contrived but if your poem has heart, it can work.   The elements of the LaJemme are:

1. a poem written in 5 quatrains.
2. composed with a different metric and rhyme pattern for each of the stanzas.
           Stanza 1   All lines iambic pentameter,  rhyme abab, L1-L3 cross rhymed to the 4th syllable of the following line
                                x x x x x x x x x a
                                x x x a x x x x x b
                                x x x b x x x x x a
                                x x x a x x x x x b
           Stanza 2   L1-L3 iambic tetrameter, L4 iambic tri-meter,  rhyme cdef,  couplets cross rhyme to the 4th syllable of the following line.
                                x x x x x x x c
                                x x x c x x x d             d rhyme will be echoed in S3 L4-L5 
                                x x x x x x x e
                                x x x e x f                    f rhyme will be echoed in S3 L2-L3
           Stanza 3  L1-L3 iambic tetrameter, L4 iambic tri-meter, rhyme gfdf, L1-L3 cross rhymed to the 4th syllable of the following line
                                 x x x x x x x g
                                 x x x g x x x f
                                 x x x f x x x d
                                 x x x d x f
           Stanza 4   All lines iambic pentameter, rhyme hihi, L1-L3 cross rhymed to the 4th syllable of the following li 
                                 x x x x x x x x x h
                                 x x x h x x x x x I
                                 x x x I x x x x x h
                                 x x x h x x x x x i             
           Stanza 5    Repeats the pattern of Stanza 1 including the rhyme abab
                                x x x x x x x x x a
                                x x x a x x x x x b
                                x x x b x x x x x a
                                x x x a x x x x x b.

La'libertas, an invented verse form found at Shadow Poetry. Com, alternates syllabic, rhymed quatrains with sixains written without rhyme or metric specification and ends with a couplet in any language other than English framed at the poet's discretion. The La of La'libertas is from the creator's name, Laura Lamarca and libertas is Latin for liberty. The elements of the La'libertas are:

1. a 22 line poem made up of alternating quatrains and sixains and ending in a couplet.
2. composed with stanzas 1 and 3 syllabic, each line is 8 syllables. Stanzas 2, and 4 are unmetered and the closing couplet is framed at the discretion of the poet.
3. partially rhymed, stanza 1 and 3 are rhymed, stanza 1 - abba and stanza 3  baab. Stanza 2 and 4 are unrhymed and the final couplet is rhymed at the discretion of the poet.
4. ended with a couplet in any language except English framed at the discretion of the poet.

The Lannet is an invented verse form that appears to me to be a duplicate of the Unrhymed SonnetThe only discernable nuance is the syllabic lines rather than the 5 stressed accentual meter which can or cannot amount to the same thing. It was found at Shadow Poetry. The creator Laura Lamarca suggests internal rhyme is allowed and the stanza breaks are at the poet's discretion. This invented form seems redundant since the Unrhymed Sonnet can be found as far back as the 17th century. The elements of the Lannet are:

1. a quatorzain. The 14 lines may be unbroken or broken into stanzas at the poet's discretion.
2. composed with unrhymed end words but internal rhyme is allowed.
3. syllabic, 10 syllables per line. (Iambic pentameter lines are 10 syllables also but this form is not measured by an iambic pattern.)
4. composed without prescribed pivot.

The La'ritmo is an invented verse form with a changing refrain created by Laura Lamarca, The elements of the La'ritmo are:

1. a poem in 32 lines made up of 8 quatrains.
2. syllabic, dodecasyllabic (12 syllables) 
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme aabb ccbB ddbB eeff ggfF hhfF iibB jjfF
4. written with a changing refrain, L8 is repeated as a refrain at L12 and L24,   L20 is repeated as a refrain in L32

La'Tuin is an invented stanzaic form that reminds me of the Old French family of forms, the Ballade and its variations. The challenge of the form is the limited 3 rhyme sounds throughout the poem no matter how many stanzas are written. The form was found at Shadow Poetry.com. La of the name is from the name of the creator, Laura Lamara and Tuin is a giant turtle (a symbol of Mother Earth) from a Diskworld series. The elements of the La'Tuin are:

1. stanzaic, written in any number of quatrains, with a minimum of 4.
2. syllabic, alternating 9 and 8 syllable lines, beginning the poem with a 9 syllable line.
3. rhymed, turned on only 3 rhymes, rhyme scheme abca abca etc. repeated in each stanza.
   
   The Galapagos by Judi Van Gorder

The Lauranelle is an invented verse form which uses elements of both the Villanelle and the Terzanelle and was created by Laura Lamarca.  The elements of the Lauranelle are:

1. a poem in 22 lines made up of 6 tercets followed by a quatrain.
2. metric, accentual syllabic, a strict iambic pentameter
3. L1 and L3 are repeated as the last 2 lines of the poem L21 and L22
4. rhyme with an interlocking rhyme scheme and a little twist in L16,  A¹bA² bcb cdc ded efe fbf ggA¹A²
   
   Paradise Erupted by Judi Van Gorder

Lento found at Shadow Poetry is an invented verse form that has head and tail rhyme, uses rhyme at both ends of the line. It was created by Lencio Dominic Rodrigues. The elements of the Lento are:

1. an octastich made up of 2 quatrains.  A Double Lento is 4 quatrains and a Triple Lento is 6 quatrains.
2. meter at the discretion of the poet.
3. rhymed. The first word of the line in each quatrain is mono-rhymed, rhyme scheme aaaa bbbb. The rhyme scheme of the end words is xcxc xdxd , x being unrhymed, although alternating rhyme could be used, cdcd efef.
   
   Fall's Fancy by Judi Van Gorder              The Cold Outside by Judi Van Gorder

The Licentia Rhyme Form is an invented stanzaic form created by Laura Lamarca and found at Shadow Poetry. This verse is a long form with a unique pattern of repetition. (licentia is Latin for "to be permitted") The elements of the Licentia Rhyme Form are:

1. stanzaic, written with 3 to 5 - 12 line stanzas made up of 6 rhymed couplets each.
2. syllabic, lines are 11 syllables each.
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme A¹A²B¹B²C¹C²D¹D²E¹E²A¹A², B¹B²ffgghhiiA¹A², C¹C²jjkkllmmA¹A² etc.
4. composed with repetition, L1 & L2 are repeated as L11 & L12 of each stanza including the first stanza. L3 & L4 are repeated as L1 & L2 of the 2nd stanza, L5 & L6 are repeated as L1 & L2 of the 3rd stanza, if more added, L7 & L8 are L1 & L2 of the 4th stanza and L9 & L10 are L1 & L2 of the 5th stanza....

Line Messaging is an invented poetic device or technique in which the last line of each stanza or strophe when read independently and consecutively, form a message, kind of a "last line" Acrostic. The term for this technique is the idea of Angel Favazza and found at Shadow Poetry.

Loop Poetry is an invented variation of the 17th century, French Chain Verse. This stanzaic form is attributed to Hellon at Shadow Poetry. The elements of the Loop Poetry are:

1. stanzaic, written with a minimum of 2 stanzas with the number of lines per stanza at the poet's discretion.
2. unmetered.
3. rhymed xaxa xbxb etc. x being unrhymed. When written in couplets the rhyme scheme is bizarre xx aa xxxx bb cc xxxx xx dd. x being unrhymed.
4. chained, the last word of each stanza is the first word of the next stanza.

Memento is a themed syllabic verse form. Created by Emily Romano and found at Shadow Poetry, the poem should celebrate a particular holiday or anniversary. The elements of the Memento are:

1. a hexastich, a poem in 6 lines made up of 2 tercets.
2. syllabic 8-6-2 8-6-2 syllables per line.
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme abc abc.
4. themed, honoring or celebrating a holiday or anniversary.
   
   Graduation by Judi Van Gorder
   
   Holiday at Low Tide by Judi Van Gorder

Mirrored Refrain is an invented stanzaic form which has 2 refrains which are flipped at the end of each stanza. This form was created by Stephanie Repayek. The elements of the Mirrored Refrain are:

1. stanzaic, written in 3 or more quatrains.
2. metered. Line length and pattern at the discretion of the poet.
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme xaBA xbAB xaBA etc. (note the form is turned on only 3 rhymes.) x being unrhymed.
4. posed with 2 refrains. L3 and L4 of the 1st quatrain become the refrain for subsequent stanzas. The refrains alternate position with each stanza.
   
   Soaring Free by Judi Van Gorder

Mirror Sestet is an invented stanzaic form which uses the 17th century French Chained Verse within each stanza but doesn't link the stanzas. It was created by Shelley A Cephas. The elements of the Mirror Sestet are:

1. stanzaic, written in any number of sixains, each made up of 3 couplets. (For the purists, technically the term sestet    describes a 6 line stanza  written in conjunction with other patterned stanzas as in the sonnet. When all of the stanzas are 6 lines, sixain or sexain is more accurate.)
2. unmetered. Line length and pattern are at the discretion of the poet.
3. rhymed, head and tail rhyme (1st word of the line rhymes with the last word in the line.) in L1,L3 and L5 of each stanza. (a variation would be to be unrhymed.)
4. chained, Chain Verse L1,L2 are linked by the last word of the first line is the first word of the next line. L3,L4, and L5,L6 are also linked in the same manner.

The Musette is an invented verse form that presents the challenge of writing in very short lines. This form was introduced by Emily Romano and found only at Shadow Poetry. The elements of the Musette are:

1. stanzaic, written in any number of tercets.
2. syllabic, 2-4-2 2-4-2 2-4-2 syllables per line.
3. rhymed axa bxb cxc etc. x being unrhymed.
   
   Give cheer!
   My new laptop
   is here!

Nove Otto is an invented verse form with a little different rhyme scheme, created by Scott J. Alcorn. The elements of the Nove Otto are:

1. a poem in 9 lines.
2. syllabic, 8 syllables per line.
3. rhymed aacbbcddc.
   
   Company's Coming   by Judi Van Gorder

Octameter not only means 8 metric feet in a line, it also is the name of an invented verse form that isn't metric at all. This was created by Shelley A Cephas. The elements of the Octameter verse form are:

1. 16 line frame made up of 2 octaves.
2. syllabic, lines of 5 syllables each.
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme xxabxbxb cxacxcbb x being unrhymed. (sometimes you just have to wonder)

Octelle is an invented form that specifically asks that the poem include personification and symbolism. It was created by Emily Romano. The elements of the Octelle are:

1. an octastich, a poem in 8 lines.
2. syllabic, 8-8-7-7-7-7-8-8 syllables per line.
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme A¹A²bbccA¹A²
4. L1 is repeated as L7 and L2 is repeated as L8.

Oddquain is a pentastich with odd numbered syllabled lines that add up to 17 syllables invented by Glenda L. Hand.  It is haiku-like in that is compact, utilizing the maximum syllable count of the haiku but breaking it into 5 lines.  The elements of the Oddquain are:

1. a pentastich, a poem in 5 lines or it can be stanzaic, written in any number of cinquains.
2. syllabic, 1-3-5-7-1 syllables per line.
3. usually unrhymed.
4. can be written in variation:

• Crown of Oddquains - written in 5 cinquains. A crown always is written with the last line of the stanza repeated as the first line of the next stanza.
• Reverse Oddquains, written with reverse syllable count 1-7-5-3-1,
• Mirror Oddquain, written in 2 cinquains, syllable count 1-3-5-7-1 1-7-5-3-1.
• Oddquain Butterflies - merges the 2 stanzas of the mirror cinquain by deleting the 1st line of the second stanza, syllables 1-3-5-7-1-7-5-3-1.
  
  They Keep Coming
  
  Bills,
  reminders that nothing's free.
  Services rendered,
  dollars owed,
  Pay!
             ~~jvg

Parallelogram de Crystalline is an invented verse form with a thematic focus. The subject is a lover and the lover should be described through images of nature. It was introduced by Karan Naidu. The elements of the Parallelogram de Crystalline are:

1. a poem in 12 lines, made up of 4 tercets.
2. syllabic 3-6-9 syllables per line for each tercet.
3. unrhymed.
4. themed, lover described by images from nature.
   
   Him
   
   Bay stallion,
   nostrils flared, sleek muscles
   unrestrained, head tossing, hooves prancing.
   
   Thundering
   while protecting his own
   from predators, he leads to safety.
   
   Fast and strong
   he travels over land
   he deems his own. Courage unquestioned.
   
   Beautiful,
   frightening, exciting.
   Eyes focused and wild, choosing one.
                             ~~Judi Van Gorder

Puente (Spanish-puente=bridge) is a thematic verse with a specific yet discretionary frame. It is written in 2 equal yet contrasting parts with a single line bridging the two parallels. It was introduced by James Rasmusson inspired by the anthology, A Poetry Bridge to All Nations by Connie Marcum Wong and by the actions of his step-daughter Mira Conklin who "walked the migrant trail in Mexico with 12 other Americans 'to explore the root causes of northward migration'". The elements of the Puente are:

1. isostrophic, written in 2 strophes with the same frame at the discretion of the poet and "bridged" by a single line that carries the theme of the poem. The separate strophes should be parallels to one another.
2. meter and rhyme at the discretion of the poet.

The Quadrilew is an invented verse form with alternating syllabic patterns and a tumbling refrain. Introduced by C.V.G.Lewis at Shadow Poetry. The elements of the Quadrilew are:

1. is a poem in 16 lines made up of 4 quatrains.
2. syllabic, alternating stanzas of 5-6-5-6 6-5-6-5 5-6-5-6 6-5-6-5 or the opposite 6-5-6-5 5-6-5-6 etc.
3. The lines of the first stanza are repeated as a tumbling refrain positioned in the first line of subsequent stanzas. L2 repeated as L5, L3 is repeated as L9, and L4 is repeated as L13.
4. rhymed rhyme scheme aB¹AB^2> B¹cbc Adad B²ebe. lower case = rhyme; upper case = refrain.

RemyLa Rhyme is a stanzaic chain form. It was introduced by Laura Lamarca and named for her daughter. The elements of the RemyLa Rhyme are:

1. stanzaic, written in 3 or more quatrains.
2. syllabic, 8-10-12-8 syllables per line in each quatrain.
3. rhymed, axxa bxxb cxxc dxxd etc. - x being unrhymed.
4. a stanzaic Chain Verse, the last word of each stanza is the first word of the next stanza creating a linking effect.

Septolet is the name of 2 different invented forms. One found at Shadow Poetry and one found at Mrs. Reese's Elementary. Both are written in 7 lines.

The elements of the Septolet found at Shadow Poetry are:

1. a poem in 7 lines broken into 2 strophes complimenting one another to complete an image.
2. Written in 14 words.
   
   Let the Games Begin by Judi Van Gorder

animals without clothes by Geoffrey Le Voguer           with clothes       chasing       unfledged tails           oblivious to stars,       not knowing       yet their place.

depression by Tammi aka Moonqueen    falling through    a hole    without bottom    i no longer    distinguish    between    solace and horror

The elements of the Septolet found at Mrs. Reese's Elementary are:

1. a heptastich, a poem in 7 lines.
2. syllabic 1-2-3-4-3-2-1 per line.
   
   zi
   single
   syllable
   word character
   of written
   Chinese
   verse.    -- judi van gorder

Staccato an invented stanzaic form which attempts to emulate the musical staccato rhythm with emphatic two syllable refrains inserted in L3 and L6 of each stanza. Jan Turner created a form with internal rhyme and variable meter. The elements of the Staccato are:

1. stanzaic, written in 2 or more sixains.
2. metric, iambic, L1,L2,L5,L6 are pentameter, L3 and L4 are tetrameter.
3. rhymed aabbcc ddeeff gghhii. Internal rhyme occurs between L1 and L2 midway in the lines.
4. written with an emphatic, two syllable refrain repeated twice at the beginning of L3 and once at the beginning of L6 of each stanza.

Swap Quatrain is an invented stanzaic form that repeats L1 in inverted sytax as a refrain in L4 of the same stanza. Created by Lorraine M Kanter. The elements of the Swap Quatrain are:

1. stanzaic, written in any number of quatrains.
2. metered at the discretion of the poet. However the lines must be long enough to create 2 hemistiches
3. written with 2 phrases of L1 of each stanza inverted and repeated as L4 in a refrain.
4. rhymed aabb ccdd
   
   Switching phrases, verse form invented.
   Very simple device presented
   becomes titled poetic basis.
   Verse form invented, switching phrases.
                                               ~~jvg

Synchronicity is an invented verse form written in the first person revealing accidental yet seemingly synchronized events. Created by Debra Gundy who suggests there be a pivot or twist in the last quarter of the poem. Synchronicity is the simultaneous occurence of events which appear meaningfully related but have no discoverable causal connection. The elements of the Synchronicity are:

1. stanzaic, written 4 or more tercets.
2. syllabic, 8-8-2 syllables per line of each tercet.
3. unrhymed.
4. written in the first person describing simultaneous events that appear to be connected but could simply be coincidental.
5. written with a pivot or twist occurring at the last quarter of the poem.

The Tableau is an invented stanzaic form that paints a single image in keeping with the name of the form, tableau meaning picture. Created by Emily Romano who suggests the word "tableau" be included in the title. The elements of the Tableau are:

1. stanzaic, written in any number of sixains.
2. syllabic, 5 syllable lines.
3. rhyme at the discretion of the poet.
4. written describing a single image.
5. written with a title that includes the word "tableau".
   
   Cease Fire in Syria                                        Trophy by Judi Van Gorder

   
   Stepping over bricks
   rescuers pick through
   rubble and debris.
   Body found face down,
   her blood soaked hijab
   flutters in the breeze. 

   A child's tear streaked face
   peeks from behind wall
   wide eyed in terror.
   Urgent searchers comb 
   wreckage for victims
   of last night's airstrike. 
                 ~~Judi Van Gorder

Tri-fall is an invented verse form that groups lines and rhyme in threes. Created by Jan Turner who suggest little or no punctuation be used. The elements of the Tri-fall are:

1. a poem in 18 lines made up of 3 sixains.
2. syllabic, 6-3-8-6-3-8 syllables per line.
3. rhymed, rhyme scheme abcabc defdef ghighi.
4. written with little or no punctuation.

The Trilonnet is a 14 line invented verse form that doesn't claim to be a sonnet. Created by Shelley A Cephas who offers two options in both  meter and rhyme scheme. The elements of the Trilonnet are:

1. a 14 line poem made up of 4 tercets followed by a rhymed couplet.
2. metered, iambic, either pentameter (10 syllables) or tetrameter (8 syllables).
3. rhymed abc abc abc abc dd or abc cba abc cba dd.
   
   Dancing With Roses by Judi Van Gorder

Trijan Refrain, another invented form created by and named for Jan Turner and the recommended number of stanzas within the structure. It was found at Shadow Poetry . The elements of the Trijan Refrain are:

1. stanzaic, written in any number of 9-line stanzas (3 are recommended).
2. syllabic, 8-6-8-6-8-8-4-4-8.
3. rhymed, AbabccDDc AeaeffGGf AhahiiJJi
4. composed with a refrain within the stanza, the first 4 syllables of L5 are repeated as a refrain in L7 and L8.
5. written a refrain between stanzas, L1 of the first stanza repeated as L1 of each subsequent stanza. There is a variation in which L1 is not repeated in the subsequent stanzas, in that scenario the rhyme scheme is ababccDDc efefggHHg ijijkkLLk.
   
   Sweet Destiny by Jan Turner (stanza 1)
   
   Oh destiny, sweet destiny,
   Come silent in the night,
   And teach my spirit how to see
   Within tomorrow's light.
   I know I'll strive to do what's best
   For humankind's eternal quest. . .
   I know I'll strive
   I know I'll strive
   Oh destiny to meet the test.

Trinet is an invented stanzaic form that is measured in words rather than syllables or metric feet. Created by zion, the poem should be centered on the page. The elements of the Trinet are:

1. stanzaic written in any number of septets (3 are recommended)
2. measured in words, 2-2-6-6-2-2-2 word in each line.
3. unrhymed.
4. centered on the page to appear as crosses.

The Triquain is one of 2 different forms, one found in Viola Berg's Pathways for a Poet, 1977 and the other found at Shadow Poetry which appears to have been created about 25 years later by Shelly Cephas. The form as described in Berg's book is a syllabic tristich and the form at Shadow Poetry is a syllabic heptastich. The elements of the Triquain at Shadow Poetry are:

1. a heptastich, a poem in 7 lines.
2. syllabic, 3-6-9-12-9-6-3 syllables per line.
3. rhymed at the discretion of the poet.
4. can be written in variation:

• Triquain chain of 2 to 4 triquains.  A stanzaic chain is always written with the last word of each stanza repeated as the first word of the next stanza. 
• Triquain Crown in 5 stand alone linked stanzas (A crown is always written with the last line of each stanza repeated as the first line of the next stanza. 
• Triquain swirl joining the stanzas and eliminating the beginning 3 syllable line of each subsequent stanza. 3-6-9-11-9-6-3-6-9-12-9-6-3 etc.
  
  snowman by Geoffrey Le Voguer (a triquain swirl)
  
  all of my
  careful efforts in vain
  buttons up front to the coal dark eyes
  and toper's nose with seasonal smile-- there he stood
  a lone titan of his ilk-- until
  the school bell rang early-
  -then down camea hullabaloo horde
  pelting at all in their way-- until
  they saw him and couldn't contain their glee-- and I
  swear we both shared such a baleful look
  as snowballing children
  tore him down

The Triquatrain is an invented stanzaic form, obviously written in quatrains. The form, created by Robert L Huntsman, has an added feature of internal rhyme. The elements of the Triquatrain are:

1. written in any number of quatrains.
2. metered at the discretion of the poet.
3. rhymed, employing internal rhyme in L1 and L3 of each quatrain, the rhyme scheme is (a-a)b(c-c)b (d-d)e(f-f)e etc.

The Triquint is an invented verse form that repeats a refrain in L3 and L4 of each stanza. Created by Sylvia A Feeley, the form is name for the 3 cinquains that make up the poem. The elements of the Triquint are:

1. a poem in 15 lines made up of 3 cinquains.
2. syllabic, 9-7-5-3-1 syllables per line.
3. rhymed, turned only 2 rhymes, rhyme scheme aaA¹A²b aaA¹A²b aaA¹A²b.
4. written with a refrain, repeating L3 and L4 of the first stanza in the same position of the 2nd and 3rd stanzas.

Trois-par-Huit is an invented verse form named for its number of lines and stanzas, three by eight. Created by Lorraine M. Kanter. It could have been influenced by the French traditional form, Hutain.   The elements of the Trois-par-Huit are:

1. an octastich, a poem in 8 lines made up of either 2 tercets followed by a couplet or a tercet, a couplet, a tercet, in that order.
2. syllabic, 3-6-9-12-12-9-6-3 regardless of stanza arrangement.
3. rhymed, aab bbc dd or aab bb ccc.
4. last line acts as a summary.
5. centered on the page.
   
   Strangled at the Pump by Judi Van Gorder

Trolaan is an invented stanzaic form that uses the ancient Welsh technique cymeriad that begins each line of a stanza with the same consonant and takes it a step further beginning each subsequent quatrain with the 2nd letter of the 1st word of the previous quatrain to begin each line. Created by Valerie Peterson Brown, the quatrains have a specific rhyme scheme but the meter is at the discretion of the poet. The elements of the Trolaan are:

1. stanzaic, written in 4 quatrains.
2. metered at the discretion of the poet.
3. alternate rhymed abab cdcd efef ghgh.  
4. written with cymeriad, the first letter of each line in each quatrain is the same, although this form takes it a step further and in each subsequent quatrain the repeated beginning letter changes. The 2nd stanza begins with the 2nd letter of the first word of the poem, the 3rd stanza begins with the 2nd letter of the first word of the 2nd stanza, the 4th stanza begins with the 2nd letter of the first word of the 3rd stanza etc.
   
   Jungle Tale by Judi Van Gorder

Vers Beaucoup French-many rhymes) is an invented stanzaic form that is riddled with rhyme. Created by Curt Mongold who suggest the lines within the quatrains be enjambed. The elements of the Vers Beaucoup are:

1. stanzaic, written in any number of quatrains.
2. metered at the discretion of the poet.
3. rhymed, including multiple internal rhyme sounds. Rhyme scheme (a-a-a)(a-b-b)(b-c-c)(c-d-d) (e-e-e)(e-f-f)(f-g-g)(g-h-h) etc.

Wrapped Refrain is an invented stanzaic form created by Jan Turner brings each stanza full circle by repeated the first 4 syllables of the stanza as the last 4 syllables of the stanza reminiscent of the French rentrament, repeating the first phrase of the stanza as a the last phrase of the stanza.  The elements of the Wrapped Refrain are:

1. stanzaic, written in any number of sixains or octaves.
2. syllabic, 8-8-8-8-12-12 syllables per lines when written in sixains, 14-14-8-8-8-8-14-14 syllables per line when written in octaves.
3. rhymed, aabbcc ddeeff etc. when written in sixains and aabbccdd eeffgghh etc when written in octaves.
4. written with each sixain repeating the first 4 syllables of L1 as the last 4 syllables of L6 or each octave repeating the first 10 syllables of L1 as the last 10 syllables of L8.
   
   Since You've Gone by Judi Van Gorder              Happy Holidays by Judi Van Gorder

ZaniLa Rhyme is an invented stanzaic form created by Laura Lamarca and employs internal rhyme. The elements of the ZaniLa Rhyme are:

1. stanzaic, written in no less than 3 quatrains.
2. syllabic, 9-7-9-9 syllables per line.
3. rhymed, xa(b-B)a xc(b-B)c xd(b-B)d etc.
4. written with L3 of the first stanza repeated as a refrain in L3 of each subsequent stanza.

[Tinker]

Wrapped Refrain   Since You've Gone You went away, leaving me cold alone in the dark season's hold. A solitary bench sits stark against a white snow covered park.  Winter reminder to me that you could not stay I've frozen inside ever since you went away. The lonely night holds not a sound while moonlight shines on snowy ground  and tree limbs hang low weighted down. I walk in the square near downtown to defrost my heart, hoping to once again write              and pour out my pain in verse on this lonely night.                                             ~~Judi Van Gorder

Mirrored Refrain Soaring Free On top of the mountain Goliath trees shelter me I am the red-tailed hawk I soar independent and free. My grace unparalleled, observers often gawk. I soar independent and free, I am the red-tailed hawk, Swift and agile, tenons sharp, no prey can outrun me. I am the red-tailed hawk, I soar independent and free.                    ~~Judi Van Gorder

[Tinker]

A Florette

When written in quatrains the elements of the Florette are:

1. syllabic, quatrains 8-8-8-12
2. rhymed, quatrains aaba ccdc etc with internal cross rhyme from L3 to L4.
   x x x x x x x a
   x x x x x x x a
   x x x x x x x b
   x x x x x x x b x x x a
3. enjambed, L3 and L4 must be enjambed without endstop in L3.  

Prelude

Roses were delivered at noon
a blend of sunset colors spoon
on velvet petals dipped in wine.
He'll follow and true love will shine under the moon.
                           ~~Judi Van Gorder

I'm Broke

I pay on time, every time,
never late, my credit sublime.
This morning I received a call
from the bank. A surprise withdrawal, left without a dime.
                                           ~~ Judi Van Gorder
        

 

[Tinker]

The Septolet

Let the Games Begin

Jumping
on skiis off
mile high slide.

Olympic Games
crystal arena
Go for Gold!
    ~~Judi Van Gorder

[Tinker]

La Charta

The Boy Who Loved Laughter

I saw him born and watched him grow,
a bright and funny boy I know.
He wanted to become a pro 
in fun and laughter on the go.
A stand up comic he'd become
upon his banjo he would strum.

The boy preferred to dream at school,
and on occasion mocked the fool.
He made kids laugh and played it cool,
then sat upon a yellow stool
to bellow silly words that rhyme
and pass away his study time.

But finally he found the light,
he'd prep and study well at night.
In class he'd work with all his might
to learn enough to do things right.
Though laughter always turned a frown,
so he'd still ever be the clown.
                                   ~~Judi Van Gorder

 

 

[Tinker]

The Tableau 

Ceasefire Tableau in Syria

Stepping over bricks
rescuers pick through
rubble and debris.
Body found face down,
her blood soaked hijab
flutters in the breeze. 

A child's tear streaked face
peeks from behind wall
wide eyed in terror.
Urgent searchers comb 
wreckage for victims
of last night's airstrike. 
              ~~Judi Van Gorder

[Tinker]

The Con-Verse 

Conversation at the Office

I'm moving to Mexico
I want to pay what I owe.

Your policy is paid through May
there is nothing that's due today

I simply can't afford to live here
anymore. I'm going south this year.

Buy protection down there, for your Prius.
I wish you the best, Vaya con Dios.

I am alone and free with not much money
I'll retire in Baja where it is sunny.
                ~~  Judi Van Gorder
.

 

[Tinker]

The Lauranelle 

Paradise Erupts

Mount Kilauea speaks with rock and fire
Hawaii's biggest island makes a noise,
new rivers flow like Pele's funeral pyre.

A paradise of graceful palms with poise,
warm sandy beaches, balmy scented air.
A wonderland, vacationers rejoice.

The climate draws adventurers to where
the sea is clear and tropical breezes call,
"explore my corral reefs, a life so rare."                       

Exotic hula dancers sway, enthrall,
a feast of mahi-mahi, pig and poi
delights the locals, tourists, one and all.

The island's known for fun, so pick your toy,
a surfboard, snorkel, bike or hike a trail.
A happy place to please each girl and boy.

Idyllic bliss explodes beyond the pale,
volcanic ash and fiery lava voice,
destroying foliage, structures, all in swale.

We know not who incited Pele's ire,
she's blown her ancient top on Eden's shire.  
Mount Kilauea speaks with rock and fire,
new rivers flow like Pele's funeral pyre.
                             ~~Judi Van Gorder

[Tinker]

Memento

Graduation

Square caps and boxy, merlot gowns
worn with relief and pride
We're done.
They might as well be wearing crowns
Hurrah. hurray they cried.
We've won.

Holiday at Low Tide

Frothy surf slides up the white sand
exposing scallop shells,
seaweed 
and red starfish. Crabs scurry and
buried clam's bubble, swell,
birds feed.  
               ~~ Judi Van Gorder  
                                                              

[Tinker]

Trilonette

Dancing with Roses

I have red rosebuds on the brain.
I sit and write while roses dance
in  my imagination.

Looking through my mind's glass pane,
I watch them sway as in a trance,
drawing focus for meditation

There's many flowers I could feign
in colors and hues that enhance
their allure and raise their station.

But everybody knows the reign-
ing blossom for bliss and romance,
the scarlet rose, is love's creation.

A symbol for hope and passion,
the red-red rose sets the fashion.
                      ~~Judi Van Gorder  8-26-19

 

[Tinker]

Trolaan
 

Jungle Tale Mowgali, the man cub, most know the story. . . mothered by a wolf hub made friends, no worry.  Open to nature's laws, odd by the pack's model, often ran on two paws, only cub Akila would coddle                                  Prey of Shere Khan prospect of Ka the serpent pursued through to dawn. Panther guide observant. Rescued by Baloo and others Resourceful and kind racing with wolf brothers rare jungle find.                 ~~Judi Van Gorder

Neighbor Gate Neighbors, you'd think by the definition,  neatly researched, documented, a lynchpin, no one would contradict its intention. Next door, new people moved in. Each day I anticipated an exchange, excited to encounter, meet and greet, expecting to talk, nothing strange, encouraged by past experiences sweet. A neighbor gate links our lands allowing easy access to come and go, though today, a padlock on the gate stands abating any use of the portal's flow. No sighting of people, no clue,  no note of explanation why, no guesses, wondering who. Neighbors unknown, no passers bye.                ~~Judi Van Gorder

[Tinker]

Lento found at Shadow Poetry is an invented verse form that has head and tail rhyme, uses rhyme at both ends of the line. It was created by Lencio Dominic Rodrigues. The elements of the Lento are:

1. an octastich made up of 2 quatrains.  A Double Lento is 4 quatrains and a Triple Lento is 6 quatrains.
2. meter at the discretion of the poet.
3. rhymed. The first word of the line in each quatrain is mono-rhymed, rhyme scheme aaaa bbbb. The rhyme scheme of the end words is xcxc xdxd , x being unrhymed, although alternating rhyme could be used, cdcd efef.
   
   The Cold Outside
    
   Critters seek shelter, soggy and wet,
   cringing beneath brush and evergreen,
   cribbing in burrows to avoid the threat.
   Crystals form, a seasonal routine.
   
   Winter currents carry icy air.
   Wind winds in and out in cold distain
   whipping through space and time without care.
   Windows shut against wind driven rain.
                          ~~Judi Van Gorder

[Tinker]

Trois-par-Huit is an invented verse form named for its number of lines and stanzas, three by eight. Created by Lorraine M. Kanter. It could have been influenced by the French traditional form, Hutain.   The elements of the Trois-par-Huit are:

1. an octastich, a poem in 8 lines made up of either 2 tercets followed by a couplet or a tercet, a couplet, a tercet, in that order.
2. syllabic, 3-6-9-12-12-9-6-3 regardless of stanza arrangement.
3. rhymed, aab bbx cc or aab bb ccc.    x being unrhymed
4. last line acts as a summary.
5. centered on the page.
   
   Strangled at the Pump
   
   Filled my tank,
   had to go to the bank,
   $5.19 per bite.
   It keeps going up and up with no end in sight.
   The green way strangles today, war adds to the blight.
   We try to survive the best we can.
   Something has to be spun,
   gas war done.
                   ~~Judi Van Gorder

[Tinker]

A Good Book in My Nook

Look,
today
on display,
April's flowers
in late spring's fresh-faced sway
tender glossy grass empowers
birds to build nests in blossoming towers
and here below I create my own cozy nook
losing track of passing time and the hour
curled up tight in my snug bower
How I wish I could stay.
Sunset lowers
 ending day
with a
book.
~~~jvg

Verse Form : A Diatelle
 

[Tinker]

Nove Otto is an invented verse form with a little different rhyme scheme, created by Scott J. Alcorn. The elements of the Nove Otto are:

1. a poem in 9 lines.
2. syllabic, 8 syllables per line.
3. rhymed aacbbcddc. 
   
   Company's Coming
   
   I raised my son to bring friends home
   and from where ever he may roam.
   In recent years he's lived afar.
   Today he travels with others
   coming north are five blue brothers
   and on their chest, each wears a star.
   They come to honor the fallen,
   those brothers whose lives were stolen.
   On their way, they'll stop here, sidebar.
                           ~~Judi Van Gorder