Contest of Forms

Let's have a contest. I have chosen some poetry forms that I have not seen on our site or rarely seen. Pick 1 or 2 forms and have a stab at it. Here they are:

Clerihew
A Clerihew is a comic verse consisting of two couplets and a specific rhyming scheme,
aabb invented by Edmund Clerihew Bentley (1875-1956) at the age of 16. The poem
is about/deals with a person/character within the first rhyme. In most cases, the first
line names a person, and the second line ends with something that rhymes with the name
of the person.

One of the most remembered Clerihew from Bentley's collection is:

Sir Humphrey Davy
Abominated gravy.
He lived in the odium
Of having discovered sodium.

Example #2
Garfield the cat
On his rear he sat.
Eating lasagna galore
All about the decor.

Copyright © 2000 James & Marie Summers <mailto:marie@shadowpoetry.com>

Example #3
The Road Runner
always almost a goner;
when attacked in manner dread,
Wile E. suffers intended fate instead ....

Copyright © 2004 Alan McAlpine Douglas <mailto:alanmdouglas@lineone.net>

Epigram
Epigrams are short satirical poems ending with either a humorous retort or a stinging punchline.

Used mainly as expressions of social criticism or political satire, the most common forms are
written as a couplet: a pair of rhymed lines in the same meter.

Practioners of this poetic expression include John Dunne, Ben Jonson, William Blake and
Robert Frost.

Example:
Bent and battered, the live oaks have through ages survived
until developed senses of modern man ripped them up still alive.

Time rolls out down wide grassy lawns
yet within these suburbs a dearth of it is spawned.

Such volunteers are said to advocate
but to the law, they instead frustrate.

Copyright © 2001 Lachlan Ivy

Monody
A monody is a poem in which one person laments another's death, as in Tennyson's
Break, Break, Break, or Wordsworth's She Dwelt Among the Untrodden Ways.
(Also see Dirge, Elegy, Epitaph)

Example:
The Sea's Handmaiden

She often walked along the shore
In windy weather or in fair,
But now my love shall stroll no more,
Nor will the breeze play with her hair.

I did not even know her name
When she came to me that summer day.
A wild thing that I could never tame,
But all the same, I thought she'd stay.

I've lost her, my love, to the sea
Her footsteps fading in the sand.
If only the waves would return her to me,
So we might stroll hand in hand.

Copyright © 2001 Dendrobia

Rondeau
A Rondeau is a French form, 15 lines long, consisting of three stanzas: a quintet, a quatrain, and a
sestet with a rhyme scheme as follows: aabba aabR aabbaR. Lines 9 and 15 are short - a
refrain (R) consisting of a phrase taken from line one. The other lines are longer (but all of the
same metrical length).

Example #1:
Springtime Air

Come follow me, I'll lead you where
The days are fine and nights are fair;
Where fields of clover, lush and green,
Will visit you within this scene --
As March inhales the springtime air.

So come with me and we shall share
The freshness springtime can ensnare,
As fields of flowers thus convene.--
Come follow me...

Springtime's approach to which we're heir
Will bring about winter's repair,
Where we shall witness sights serene
And glory in that to be seen.
No other season can compare.
Come follow me...

Copyright © 2004 Dan Tharp <mailto:danth64@yahoo.com>

Tyburn
A six line poem consisting of 2, 2, 2, 2, 9, 9 syllables.

The first four lines rhyme and are all descriptive words. The last two lines rhyme and incorporate
the first, second, third, and fourth lines as the 5th through 8th syllables.

Example #1:
Death

Blackest
Darkest
Coldest
Oldest
Burning in the Blackest, Darkest night
There in lives the Coldest, Oldest fright

Copyright © 2001 Mike McCann

Septolet
The Septolet is a poem consisting of seven lines containing fourteen words with a break in between
the two parts. Both parts deal with the same thought and create a picture.

Example #1:
Untitled

Lion
moving swiftly
across the plain,
most intent.

Antelope
grazing contently
on his meal.

Copyright © 2003 Crystal Rose

Naani
Naani is one of Indian's most popular Telugu poems. Naani means an expression of one and all.
It consists of 4 lines, the total lines consists of 20 to 25 syllables. The poem is not bounded to
a particular subject. Generally it depends upon human relations and current statements. This
poetry was introduced by one of the renowned Telugu poets Dr. N.Gopi, presently working as
vice-chancellor to Telugu University, Andhra Pradesh.

Example #1:
A dialogue
When lengthens
Remain questions
Without answer as criticism.

Copyright © 2001 Bollimuntha venkata Ramana Rao

Quinzaine
The English word quinzaine come from the French word qunize, meaning fifteen. A quinzaine is
an unrhymed verse of fifteen syllables.

These syllables are distributed among three lines so that there are seven syllables in the first line,
five in the second line and three in the third line (7/5/3). The first line makes a statement. The next
two lines ask a question relating to that statement.

Example:
I'm a very strong woman
Are you a woman?
Are you strong?

Copyright © 2003 Katie Schmidt <mailto:katieschmidt2002@yahoo.com>

Sestina
The sestina is a strict ordered form of poetry, dating back to twelfth century French troubadours. It
consists of six six-line (sestets) stanzas followed by a three-line envoy. Rather than use a rhyme
scheme, the six ending words of the first stanza are repeated as the ending words of the other five
stanzas in a set pattern. The envoy uses two of the ending words per line, again in a set pattern.

First stanza, ..1 ..2 ..3 ..4 ..5 ..6
Second stanza, ..6 ..1 ..5 .. 2 ..4 ..3
Third stanza, ..3 ..6 ..4 ..1 ..2 ..5
Fourth stanza, ..5 ..3 ..2 ..6 ..1 ..4
Fifth stanza, ..4 ..5 ..1 ..3 ..6 ..2
Sixth stanza, ..2 ..4 ..6 ..5 ..3 ..1

Concluding tercet:
middle of first line ..2, end of first line ..5
middle of second line ..4, end of second line..3
middle if third line ..6, end of third line ..1

Example:
Sestina, to the lover's rite

We stand at last upon this eventide, to give
to each our vow. To the lover's rite abide.
Let that which does not end return,
and let no turning days divide us.
I confess I am afraid of what certain mystery
a seasonless sun reveals.

I fear more the solitary life revealed
in Autumn's long spell. Then let it be this life I give
without caution. And let the mystery
rest untouched where sea and land abide.
My soul recalls no still night felled between us.
It seems we were born together, and together return

anew to the whitening day. To the turn
of the sovereign tide. My hands laid bare reveal
another light. And hand to my hand we make a country of us,
my companion of nightlong ways. Let these common lands give
shape to sleeping wiles. Let the bright and pebbled shore abide
the rushing sea. "In country sleep" we'll toil our songstilled mystery.

And will we sing, in furthered seasons, the hearthstone mysteries
of time's greener passion? Love again our tamer glories? If so return
to the hallowed spire of youth. In this gentle fate we'll abide,
for what is our hymn but a child's bedtime refrain? What is revealed
in mystery but the coming breeze we long to breathe and give
to the new? Its buried scent a memory which knows us

again. Then by the sway of winter's solemn flame let us
firm this vow. Though the prophet moon still steadies her mystery
before us, our last will be a greener gold, given
to the one sacrament. And breath by breath return
again to our certain selves, our nightbound promise revealed.
Heart of this heart abide.

Soul of this soul abide.
We were born together, and together let us
pass unknown through porticos of the half-light shadow, revealing
in turn the break of every lasted dawn, and each unsummoned mystery
inspired on a shifting sea. It is the end days return.
The proffered gift we give.

Abide at last, and forever love, the mystery
of us. Bound by time's lasting measure we'll return,
revealing with every breath our souls to give.

Copyright © 2000 Dave Charlon

Tongue Twister Poem
A Tongue Twister poem is made up of lines/verses that are hard to say when read aloud
by using similar consonant sounds in succession (use of alliteration). In other words, the
poem ties your tongue into knots. This form does not require end or internal rhyme.

Example #1:
Vino

vile vintage vino
via violent varicose veins
vagrant vapors vacate
vast vascular vessels
vanity vamoose
while visions of
voluptuous vixens
vibrating vigorously
virtually vaporize
into a vast vapid vat
of venomous venules

Copyright © 2001 Lorraine Nisbet

Epigram
Epigrams are short satirical poems ending with either a humorous retort or a stinging punchline.

Used mainly as expressions of social criticism or political satire, the most common forms are
written as a couplet: a pair of rhymed lines in the same meter.

Practioners of this poetic expression include John Dunne, Ben Jonson, William Blake and
Robert Frost.

Example:
Bent and battered, the live oaks have through ages survived
until developed senses of modern man ripped them up still alive.

Time rolls out down wide grassy lawns
yet within these suburbs a dearth of it is spawned.

Such volunteers are said to advocate
but to the law, they instead frustrate.

Copyright © 2001 Lachlan Ivy

Nonet
A nonet has nine lines. The first line has nine syllables, the second line eight syllables, the third line
seven syllables, etc... until line nine that finishes withone syllable. It can be on any subject and
rhyming is optional.

line 1 - 9 syllables
line 2 - 8 syllables
line 3 - 7 syllables
line 4 - 6 syllables
line 5 - 5 syllables
line 6 - 4 syllables
line 7 - 3 syllables
line 8 - 2 syllables
line 9 - 1 syllable

Example:
a pirates playground

the ocean is a pirate's playground
they live their lives upon the sea
battles are fought to the death
the loot is divided
they drink to those lost
set sail again
a pirate's
life for
me

Copyright © 2003 Mark Williams <mailto>

Pantoum
The pantoum consists of a series of quatrains rhyming ABAB in which the second and fourth lines
of a quatrain recur as the first and third lines in the succeeding quatrain; each quatrain introduces a
new second rhyme as BCBC, CDCD. The first line of the series recurs as the last line of the closing
quatrain, and third line of the poem recurs as the second line of the closing quatrain, rhyming ZAZA.

The design is simple:

Line 1
Line 2
Line 3
Line 4

Line 5 (repeat of line 2)
Line 6
Line 7 (repeat of line 4)
Line 8

Continue with as many stanzas as you wish, but the ending stanzathen repeats the second and
fourth lines of the previous stanza (as its first and third lines), and also repeats the third line of
the first stanza, as its second line, and the first line of the first stanza as its fourth. So the first
line of the poem is also the last.

Last stanza:

Line 2 of previous stanza
Line 3 of first stanza
Line 4 of previous stanza
Line 1 of first stanza

Example #1:
It All Started With A Packet of Seeds

It all started with a packet of seeds,
To be planted with tenderness and care,
At the base of an Oak, free from all weeds.
They will produce such beauty and flare.

To be planted with tenderness and care,
A cacophony of colorful flowers,
They will produce such beauty and flare.
With an aroma that can continue for hours.

A cacophony of colorful flowers,
Bright oranges with yellows and reds,
With an aroma that can continue for hours,
Delivered from their fresh flower beds.

Bright oranges with yellows and reds,
At the base of an oak, free from all weeds,
Delivered from their fresh flower beds,
At all started with a packet of seeds.

Copyright © 2001 Sally Ann Roberts

To see more examples of the forms, visit:

www.shadowpoetry.com

Click on Resources than chose Types of Poetry.

1st place - 10 r/r/c
2nd place - 8 r/r/c
3rd place - 5 r/r/c

Deadline is January 5th at midnight. Good luck!
Please no explicit poems or profanity!

I'm in :) I'll write Nonet

Yeah, I noticed the shape poems don't appear so I will eliminate that form.

I've wrote two shape poems and managed to shape them on here with a little bit of work but whatever, i'll take sestina

Gem, if you can get them to turn out, you can do the shape form :)

Over The Rainbow

The wind is blowing through the trees
Whispering come and follow me
Where only joy and love abound
Happy laughter the only sound
Take my hand and you will see

Colorful rainbows in the sky
Birds singing happily as they fly
A wonderland for you and I
The wind is blowing

Hand in hand traveling streets of gold
Forever your love I will hold
Turning our faces towards the sun
Once again we become one
Our future now has been fortold
The wind is blowing

Rondeau
A Rondeau is a French form, 15 lines long, consisting of three stanzas: a quintet, a quatrain, and a
sestet with a rhyme scheme as follows: aabba aabR aabbaR. Lines 9 and 15 are short - a
refrain (R) consisting of a phrase taken from line one. The other lines are longer (but all of the
same metrical length).

Ok ok, I'll have Nonet

TITLE: Death Looms
FORM: Nonet
BY: SarahDale

She dwells in distrust and suspicion
Strolls on a rough and bumpy road
With no precise volition
Danger she oversees
Grim Reaper draws near
Heightening fear
Sounds she hear
Close to
Death

Nonet:
A Nonet has 9 lines, the first has 9 syllables and each following line has 1 less syllable until the last line has only 1 syllable. A rhyming scheme is optional.

Can I have two forms?? just asking

Tasting the orchids (Nonet)

by NyellMoonlight

Essence of orchids seduce senses
deceiving numbed mind forever
behind purple, silky curtains
feeble brushes touch the skin
travel behind thoughts
cotton- candy
sweetness melts
words of
love.

I'll take Rondeau also ^^, just want to try this form

TITLE:Dead On Arrival
FORM: Rondeau
BY: SarahDale

As my heart then ripped apart by a sudden change of stare
Glares revealing reality along the edge of despair
Confusion heightened, shattered truth I cannot ignore
His hands entangled with yours, cold tears flow for more
Raised the pain so deeply, lost in hearts pieces I declare

Memories that have come to past, you don't bother to care
Those sweet kisses of love in the dark, finger tips on your hair
Preceding the altar, pledged to live life together forevermore
As my heart then ripped apart

Void road I'll stroll, to the seen reality I'm now aware
Memories will be buried, will remain forgotten, I swear
Pictures soon to be scattered and torn along our floor
Smokescreen of distrust will glide as you open our door
Leaving promises rotten and broken, suspicion to wear
As my heart then ripped apart

Xx Side By Side, Heart To Heart - Sestina xX

A beautiful maiden standing beneath the night
sky. Smiling softly at her one true love.
The one to which her heart belongs.
Something precious and true is taking place
as their eyes meet across the dew speckled foliage. It's time
to seal forever and always with a kiss.

So many things can be said with a mere delicate kiss.
They are silhouetted by the shimmering stars of the night
that twinkle in unison. Keeping in time
with the melody of love.
The enchanting requiem of such a magical place
where these powerful, wondrous emotions belong.

It's not difficult to tell these two souls belong
together as one. You can see the sparks, the devotion, as they kiss,
feel the passion in the soft breeze, as the exchange takes place.
In the safe and peaceful haven that the night
provides. It's the exchange of their love
that will last until the end of time.

The maiden smiled, a slow sweet smile, reminding him of the time
he first saw her face, when he realised his heart belongs
with hers. That he was made to love
and cherish her and only her. It was proved to him when a kiss
was placed on his lips, on the first night
they spent together. In this same enchanting place.

One year later, they returned hand in hand, side by side, heart to heart to this place
where dreams come true. Where they kissed for the first time.
They exchanged their vows under the deep blue and black night
sky, stars twinkling above. Two hearts that belong
together, two souls combined, made official with a sweet kiss,
symbolising true love.

Night comes to an end as dawn breaks blessing where love
belongs, where it was born in such a majestic and beautiful place.
Time holds no boundaries when a love like this is sealed with a kiss.

*Gem*
Copyright©GemmaStott2007

.................................Oh......................................
............................Christmas................................
...............................Tree.....................................
.........................You stand so..............................
.....................Tall, looking down...........................
...................Upon on us all. Pretty.......................
......................Colours shine so............................
.................Bright, sparkling up this.....................
..............Dismal night. Glittering baubles.............
.........Hang here and there. With an angel..........
............On top reaching into the air....................
.........Silver, Purple, Red, Gold and Green............
...You're the prettiest tree that I've ever seen....
..........................Oh Christ-...................................
..........................Mas Tree.....................................
.....................You stand so tall..............................
.......................Looking down.................................
.........................Upon is all....................................

*Gem*
Copyright©GemmaStott2007

I have the two written, if you can only enter one i'm entering the sestina because that is the piece i'm proudest of, lol

Yes, you can enter more than one form.

Wow, these are turning out great!

Oh! sorry. . . ok i'll change it. . tnx by the way!

Let's fly away (Rondeau)

by Healing Spirit tpfka Broker

Let's fly away together my sweet love
To that place we always dreamed of
Our pain and suffering left in the past
To rejoice in a love forever to last
Come be with me, my turtle dove

So many years spent in agony and pain,
searching for love and indeed not in vain.
Be my forever sunshine, my angel of love
Let's fly away....

So unexpectedly the sun started shining
when you walked into my life, smiling..
You broke through my walls and won me
Swept me off my feet and made me see
you truly love me and left my heart singing
Let's fly away....

Rondeau
A Rondeau is a French form, 15 lines long, consisting of three stanzas: a quintet, a quatrain, and a
sestet with a rhyme scheme as follows: aabba aabR aabbaR. Lines 9 and 15 are short - a
refrain (R) consisting of a phrase taken from line one. The other lines are longer (but all of the
same metrical length).