Trinet Poetry

Synopsis

The Trinet form was created by Zion. The following structure should be repeated 3 times, if centered it results in a poem that looks like three crosses. This style does not have a specified rhyme scheme and thus can be rhymed or unrhymed.

Poem Structure:

Line 1: 2 words
Line 2: 2 words
Line 3: 6 words
Line 4: 6 words
Line 5: 2 words
Line 6: 2 words

My Tips, Tricks, & Opinions

Feel free to leave your thoughts and advice in the comment section below.

What I Like

I found this form through Shadow Poetry and thought it looked cool, so I decided to try it. I like the visual aspect of the finished poem and the structure is fairly simple to follow. Since the poem resembles crosses, I tend to choose faith or hope based themes for these. Personally, I think it would be weird to write a Trinet on getting wasted or some such topic...

A Few Tips

Two word lines back to back can seem broken and fractured if you aren't careful. If you want more fluidity, I suggest thinking of the two word lines collectively instead of separately.

Examples

Trouble Comes (November 3, 2014)

Trouble comes
The morning
After my sins manifest in light
Unaltered by dark shadows of night
Worldly deeds
Come forth.

Trouble comes
The aftermath
Of wrong bubbling and boiling over
Burning everything in its short path
Like flames
Coming forth.

Trouble comes.
The end
Of troubled times is the door
To perfection that existed once before--
Peace forgotten
Comes forth.

References

1. "Lawrencealot. "Trinet". Poetry Forms. May 17, 2013
2. "Trinet". Shadow Poetry; visited November 2014

Katauta Poetry

Synopsis

Katauta is a Japanese style of poetry that was used before 8ad and consists of 17 or 19 syllables. These syllables are spread over 3 lines either with each line containing 5, 7, then 5 syllables or 5, 7, then 7 syllables. Two Katautas written together make up a Sedoka. A single Katauta is considered an incomplete poem.

My Tips, Tricks, & Opinions

Feel free to leave your thoughts and advice in the comment section below.

A Confusing Point

The Katauta is short. Using the traditional definition of a Haiku, a Katuata is approximately the same thing (having a syllable make up of 5-7-5 over three lines). The main difference, I assume, is that the Haiku is more complex than the standard 5-7-5 definition (though I'm not an expert there) and is unrhymed, while the Katuata can be rhymed. I'm still working out the difference....

But Lookout For...

Katuatas are considered incomplete for a reason: if you want to capture a short moment in time, a Haiku is probably more acceptable. From what I've read, Katautas are meant to be part of a longer dialogue, though singularly they are good practice for the longer style.

Examples

Questions (November 3, 2014)

A simple question
Lingers in the calm, still air
Waits for you and I

References

1. "Katauta". Dictionary.com; visited November 2014
2. "Katauta". Shadow Poetry; visited November 2014
3. "Katauta (poetic form)". Encyclopædia Britannica. May 1999

Sedoka Poetry

Synopsis

The Sedoka is a Japanese poem. Sedoka's are created by writing two Katautas and was used for dialogues or to show differing perspectives [1, 2]. Sedokas are therefore comprised of two sets of tercets. For each tercet, the syllable count is 5, 7, 7, for the first, second, and third lines respectively. It is thought that Kakinomoto Hitomaro, Japan's first great literary figure, wrote this style of poetry.

My Tips, Tricks, & Opinions

Feel free to leave your thoughts and advice in the comment section below.

Unique Factors

This style of poetry was designed for dialogue and multi-point-of-view exploration. If you have a dialogue or want to express multiple points of view, this is the style I would suggest.

But Lookout For...

This is a style based on syllable count, so don't forget to check your syllables! Also, since this poem style is fairly short (6 lines total) and is commonly divided into two parts—a question/response or two points of view--the message has to be short. You aren't going to be able to fit an entire debate between pro-life and pro-choice politicians. Due to the length constraints, you'll want to simplify the arguments, capture the main point, and spotlight it using this style.

Examples

Presentation Day (November 1, 2014)

Standing in front of
A large class, new and strange faces
Nervous, shaking, reporting these facts...

Bored, waiting for lunch,
Hearing these presentations
On dead presidents and such...

References

1. "Sedoka". Shadow Poetry; visited November 2014
2. "Sedoa Poetry". Encyclopædia Britannica
3. "Sedoka Poems". Poetry Soup; visited November 2014

Simple Rhyme Poetry

Synopsis

Simple Rhyme is one of the first poetry styles I learned. Usually structured in quatrains with a rhyme scheme of aabb or abab, I consider simple rhyme to be structured solely based on a consistent rhyme scheme. Simple Rhyme is often found in children's stories, such as those written by Dr. Seuss, and is easily remembered.

A few less common but equally simple rhyme schemes are listed below:

1. Second and Fourth Rhyme: xaxa
2. First and Fourth Rhyme: axxa
3. Mono-rhyme: aaaa
4. All But One Line Rhyme: axaa
5. Inner and Outer Line Rhyme: abba

My Tips, Tricks, & Opinions

Feel free to leave your thoughts and advice in the comment section below.

Achieve the Unique

A general rule of thumb is that the more unusual the rhyme scheme, the less childish the rhyming will sound. Most people stick to quatrains and the rhyme schemes listed above, but don't be afraid to play with tercets or stanzas of 5. Interweaving rhymes between stanzas like aba bcb cdc or abcb cded, can also make these poems unique and improve the flow.

Try to Avoid...

As with any poem structure requiring rhyming, you want to avoid words that are hard to rhyme—like orange—and clichéd phrasing. After penning a line (or stanza), if it sounds remotely familiar or predictable, it's going to hurt the quality of your poem.

Examples

Ancient (October 21, 2014)

Beneath the sand of ancient dunes
Carved in stone, some unknown rune
This beautiful language of forgotten lore
Untold knowledge, secrets, legends, and more.
Hidden there beneath my weary feet
Forgotten and thought to be obsolete
But there's power there, in hidden words
The clear solution to a vision blurred,
And I wish to understand it in my soul,
To bond with it, learn it and gain control.

References

1. Nicholas Tozier. "Have You Mastered All Six of These Basic Rhyme Schemes?". The Lyric Writer's Workroom. July 2014

Etheree Poetry

Synopsis

An Etheree poem consists of 10 lines; the first line has one syllable and each subsequent line increases by one in syllable count. Similarly, a reverse Etheree can be penned by starting with 10 syllables in line one, and decreasing the syllable count. A double Etheree is created by combining an Etheree and a reverse Etheree and a double reverse Etheree is creating from a reverse Etheree followed by a single Etheree.

My Tips, Tricks, & Opinions

Feel free to leave your thoughts and advice in the comment section below.

Achieve the Unique

The Etheree is all about building to a point. The use of gradually increasing (or decreasing) syllables can be used to add dramatic emphasis. I tend to gravitate to the Etheree style for two types of topics: 1. Heavy - topics that are emotionally heavy, sad or compelling, and 2. Lazy - topics that conjure the image or feeling of drowsiness (like rain), in which I want a slow, steady rhythm. However, this style is suitable for any topic.

A Few Tips

As always, syllables can be tricky. It's definitely a good idea to have access to a syllable counter for trickier words. It is also possible to incorporate a rhyme scheme (particularly interesting is the inclusion of internal rhyme), for an added layer of complexity.

Examples

Raindrops (October 29, 2014)

Rain
Falling
On the roof
Pitter patter
Like a ticking clock
Constant, steady, falling
It lulls me into deep sleep
Where nothing breaks the sweet rhythm
Where beauty sprouts from droplet pools
Nature calls me back to welcome arms
And I listen to raindrops peacefully

Triquain Poetry

Synopsis

Created by Shelley Cephas, the Triquain is made up of lines starting with three syllable and increasing/decreasing so that each subsequent line has a multiple of three syllables. A common form is 7 lines with the pattern 3-6-9-12-9-6-3. This form is always centered and must have at least 7 lines. Other variations include the Triquain Chain, Swirl, and Crown (see Shadow Poetry for a detailed explanation). These variations comprise of multiple Triquains.

My Tips, Tricks, & Opinions

Feel free to leave your thoughts and advice in the comment section below.

What I Like

Even though there is structure and a set length, variations such as the swirl, chain, and crown allow poets to continue thoughts that may be too lengthy for a single Triquain. Triquains do not have a rhyme scheme, but poets may choose to apply a rhyme scheme if they desire; this allows even more flexibility in the style. The amount of flexibility incorporated into this style enables poets to add their own touch of creativity—which is always a plus.

The Tricky Part...

Most styles are pyramidal (like the Etheree) or constant (like the Octain) in number of syllables, this style however, varies by multiples of 3. While this produces a unique cadence, it is difficult to pen lines following this pattern. For me, the line with 12 syllables is particularly difficult—that's like a full, complex sentence from a research paper!

Examples

Hold On (July 23, 2014)

Hold on now,
I'll be there in my own time
Slower than the rest, perhaps faster
I'll manage to make it where I'm supposed to be—
I have the vision and the power,
Don't rush my progress friend--
Just hold on.

References

1. "Triquain". Shadow Poetry; visited October 2014
2. Lawrence Eberhart. "Triquain". Poet's Collective. December 2012

Octain Refrain Poetry

Synopsis

An in depth description of the Octain or Octain Refrain style of poetry can be found at Poets Collective. Comprised of octosyllables (or iambic tetrameter), the Octain Refrain is made up of 8 lines: two tercets (stanzas of three) and a couplet. The first line is repeated in the last line and the fifth line should have an internal rhyme of some sort. A double Octain is called a High Octain (16 lines)

The rhyme scheme for the Octain is as follows: Abb a(c/c)a bA, where A is a repeating line (rhyming with a lines), and (c/c) is an internal rhyme.

My Tips, Tricks, & Opinions

Feel free to leave your thoughts and advice in the comment section below.

What I Like

I love complex rhyme schemes (not that this one is really complex, but more than simple aabb or abab rhyme)! The use of a refrain also enables you to really drive home a particular point. This style is short, sweet, and has the potential to really stick in the mind. I always feel good the final product when I create an Octain.

But Lookout For...

The refrain may need tweaking to be effective when repeated (see the High Octain below). Sometimes (most times actually), repeating the same thing is monotonous and more annoying than captivating. Also, the use of octosyllables may take time to get use to--especially for those use to iambic pentameter.

Examples

Simple Example:

Falling Tears (October 27, 2014)

Tears fall when all hope seems to be lost

Time stands still for the heart to mourn
Lifeless until new hope is born
Then moves on no matter the cost...

Weep, gently rolling down the cheek
Tears soft but seeking to exhaust
Pass across red cheeks they adorn

Tears fall when all hope seems to be lost.

High Octain Example:

Orange Nights (October 26, 2014)

Orange covers the rejoicing sky
The tree line bows beneath the wind
Casting shadows as the sun descends...

On brooms witches take off and fly
The black of bats, the black of cats
Show themselves when the moon draws nigh.

Hold steady--their hour will begin
When orange covers the night's sky

Orange covers, blankets the sky
The spirit of the earth ascends,
Gives way to white fog in the end

Ghosts and Gobblins, a painful cry
The day of death, of the last breath
Comes, goes in the blink of an eye...

Till at last the tale is penned
And orange covers all the sky.

References

1. "Octain Refrain". Shadow Poetry; visited October 2014
2. Lawrence Eberhart. "Octain Refrain". Poet's Collective. February 6, 2013

Kyrielle Poetry

Synopsis

Kyrielle poems are of French origin and usually consists of octosyllabic lines (each line has 8 syllables) forming quatrains. According to Shadow Poetry, the accepted minimum number of stanzas is 3. Generally, the rhyme scheme is couplets with a refrain repeating in the last line of each stanza, however it is up to the author to create a rhyme scheme that works for them.

My Tips, Tricks, & Opinions

Feel free to leave your thoughts and advice in the comment section below.

Achieve the Unique

Rhyming is a tricky business. It can easily make a poem feel trite and childish. Using specific forms like the Kyrielle which not only adds a refrain element but also constrains the number of syllables for each line, adds maturity to a poem. The first few lines may be difficult to pen, but once you begin, thinking in octosyllabic phrases becomes natural.>

But Lookout For...

Be careful of what you choose for the refrain. Some phrases are hard to continually weave in to stanzas without repeating the same surrounding phrases as well. Also, remember if the refrain extends to the end of the line, you will have to continually rhyme that word throughout your stanzas (it would not be in your best interest to end a line using a refrain the ends with the word orange).

Examples

Radio Vibes (July 23, 2014)

Music plays on the radio
Vulgar words echo in droves
But the beat hypnotizes me
On and on the words repeat

Unnecessary, fills my time--
I get lost the beat on my mind;
And music wins, I suffer defeat
On and on the words repeat.

I wait for the breath of fresh air
The song that is somewhat aware
Of around us the world's deceit,
On and on the words repeat.

References

1. "Kyrielle Poetry". Shadow Poetry; visited September 2014

Haiku Poetry

Synopsis

Haikus are another famous style of poetry—there's a very good chance you had to write one of these in grade school... The haiku originated in Japan and traditionally focused on nature. The goal of the Haiku is to capture a brief moment in time. There are many sites, such as those listed under references, that have in depth summaries on the Haiku. Generally, the Haiku is consider to consist of three lines with each line having 5, 7, and 5 kana respectively or less than 17 syllables. There are many definitions, as the conversion from Japanese to English creates some confusion in the style.

My Tips, Tricks, & Opinions:

Feel free to leave your opinions, tricks, questions, etc. in the comment section below.

I'm No Expert...

Haiku poems are the hardest for me (I guess I'm long winded...). I like the idea of brief moment in time captured this way. The trick is picking a defining moment. Or finding a unique way to describe an ordinary moment. Fireworks and kisses are probably too cliché for this form. I'm still perfecting this style, so if I think of better tips and tricks to highlight, I'll add them here.

Examples

Before the Exam (July 23, 2014)

Sounds of pages
Turning in books on tables
Frantic tonight

References

1. "Haiku and Senryu". Shadow Poetry; visited September 2014
2. Academy of American Poets. "Haiku: Poetic Form". Poets.org; visited September 2014
3. "Wiki-How: Writing a Haiku". Wiki How; visited September 2014

Clarity Pyramid Poetry

Synopsis

The clarity pyramid was created by Jerry Quinn. I found it interesting because it is basically a poetic description or definition of a word. A more detailed explanation of the clarity pyramid origin and structure can be found at Shadow Poetry or Popular Poetry Forms. The structure is also given below. Note, clarity pyramid poems should always be centered.

Poem Structure:

line 1: 1 syllable (title of the poem)
line 2: 2 syllables (synonym clarifying the title)
line 3: 3 syllables (another synonym for the title)

line 4: 5 syllables (based on real life event, poetically related to title)
line 5: 6 syllables (based on real life event, poetically related to title)
line 6: 7 syllables (based on real life event, poetically related to title)

line 7: 8 syllables (in quotations, a quote defining the title)

My Tips, Tricks, & Opinions

Feel free to leave your thoughts, advice, questions, etc. in the comment section below!

Achieve the Unique

Poetry is all about the usage of the right word to invoke the right mood and image—connotation is everything. In this poem you get to define the connotation of the word you are using, which means you can actually change the connotation of a word for your readers! The combination of definitive lines (1,2, and 3) followed by experiences allows for interesting possibilities where metaphors are concerned.

Stating the Obvious

If you take this style too literally, it's possible that your poem will sound like a technical dictionary definition. Line 4-6 should be used to emphasize the personal connection the author associates with the word. For example, perhaps time (or clocks) reminds you of the smell of coffee in the morning or not wanting to wake up to go to school in the morning.

What I Like

Have you ever heard a song on the radio and associated it with a particular event, place, or person? Why should words be any different? For example, the word "liable" reminds me of my grandmother. Why? I have no idea; perhaps she was the first person I ever heard use the word, or maybe it's because of how she said it. Regardless, just like songs, there are words that remind me of places, peoples, and times. I like that this form allows the expression of fusing these personal experiences into a definition of a word. I also think this would be a fun way to learn vocabulary.

Examples

Blue (June 12, 2014)

BLUE
calming
tranquility

painted bedroom walls
of childhood memories
flow quick like water in my mind

"soothes like an ocean breeze"

References

1. Pat Simpson. Poetry Styles Book Two, pg. 7. 2011
2. "Shadow Poetry: Clarity Pyramid Poetry". Shadow Poetry; visited August 2014
3. Lawrencealot. "Popular Poetry Forms". Popular Poetry Forms. March 18, 2013

Lauranelle Poetry

Synopsis

The Lauranelle was created by Laura Lamarca. It is a combination of the Villanelle and Terzanelle poetry forms. Lauranelle's are made up of 22 lines of iambic pentameter (10 syllables alternating unstressed then stressed). Lines 1 and 3 are repeated at the end of the poem in lines 21 and 22 respectively. The first 6 stanzas are tercets with rhyming first and third lines. The second line of the tercet should rhyme with the first line of the next tercet (aba bcb cdc ded efe fgf). Finally, the last four lines make up a quatrain with the repeated lines (ggaa).

My Tips, Tricks, & Opinions

Feel free to leave your thoughts and advice in the comment section below.

Overview

I've never tried to write a Terzanelle—that's still on my to do list—but I have attempted the Villanelle. The hardest thing about a Villanelle is choosing the right word for the end of a line, because you know most of the poem has to rhyme with that one word. The Terzanelle eliminates this problem, but it adds the problem of iambic pentameter. I've always struggled with iambic meter. As a southerner, I find I often pronounce words differently which throws off my stresses. For me it takes a while to get into writing iambs, particularly in pentameter (it never fails that my "complete" line only has 8 syllables). Luckily, iambic pentameter in tercets feels a little easier than iambic pentameter in couplets. For me, this is one of the trickier types, but I did like the challenge.

What I Don't Like

This is one of the styles I need lots of criticism on. Content gets lost as I struggle to keep up with both the rhyme scheme and the meter. Before I could feel comfortable with this type I think I would need an "expert" critiquing the basic style so I could concentrate on content. Overall I think this is an interesting style and perhaps as I have more time I'll perfect my iambic pentameter for this style. In the mean time, I'll probably be leaving this style on the shelf.

Examples

Coming Soon

References

1. Lawrencealot. "Lauranelle". All Poetry; visited August 2014
2. "Lauranelle". Shadow Poetry; visited August 2014
3. Lawrence Eberhart. "Lauranelle". Poets Collective. February 24, 2013

Concrete Poetry

Synopsis

In concrete poetry (also known as visual poetry), the visual presentation of words is equally as important as the words. Often, the words are structured and formatted such that they create a picture relating to the topic of the poem--such as a love poem in the shape of a heart. This form of poetry is often introduced early in childhood and is fun to experiment with.

Image from deviantart wallpapers

My Tips, Tricks, & Opinions

Feel free to leave your opinions, tricks, questions, etc. in the comment section below.

Tricky Situations

There are two keys to visual poetry: choosing the best image or shape and crafting just the right number of letters and spaces. With concrete poetry, there is the constant warring of the visual image and the poetic flow of the words. What may be the perfect word or phrase poetically, may not fit the image you are trying to create. Early on, the easiest solution is to sacrifice one for the other, but practice allows for mastery in both. When I write concrete poetry, I usually keep a thesaurus on hand for tight situations.

What I Like

This is one of my favorite poetic forms (and I'm still working on mastering this style). The potential to express both verbally and visually is quite fascinating. It's fun to create, not to mention the amount of pride you feel when your poem actually makes the image you were attempting to create!

Examples

Square (June 25, 2014)

Boring--the sound
of your voice now
and forever, rings
hollow--in a room
Your voice shrinks.

Recent Concrete Poems

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Code Form Poetry

Synopsis

I actually made this style of poetry up myself (or at least I thought of it and haven't seen it any where else...). The structure of these poems is meant to merge computer programming language syntax with poetic meaning. Since there are a variety of programing languages there are an abundance of ways to structure a code form poem. Many of those I have included on the site are styled after C, MATLAB, or pseudo-code.

My Tips, Tricks, & Opinions

Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions, and questions in the comments section below.

Something Different

Many programmers prefer text editors that provide syntax highlighting--this feature eases the programming process by allowing the programmer to easily differentiate keywords, comments, and variables. This method can be added to the poem as well to emphasize the meaning of the work and to authenticate the style. Using this method you can add less choppy (ie more poetic) phrases in the style of commenting and/or call the reader's attention to a particular set of words.

But Something Familiar

As a computer scientist, I know all too well that code can quickly become unreadable. Bending the tranditional syntax may be necessary to clarify meaning and readers who have no background in programming may not appreciate this style. So far only my science-y friends have commented or given feedback on my poems of this style and I can't say for certain that someone outside of this background will understand much less enjoy this style.

What I Like

This style brings out the nerd in me. It's unique and it seeks to express emotion in terms of logic, which is a nice challenge.

Examples

Function of Love (June 24, 2014)

function ( love ):
     love = time and effort;
     if ( love multiplies )
          love = friendship;
     while ( love )
          life = happiness;
end

Recent Code Form Poems

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Acrostic Poetry

Introduction and Description

Acrostics are one of the more commonly known poetry types--I was taught to write on of these in pre-school. For specific details on how they are written, see Shadow Poetry, Young Writers, or Poets.org.
Amazingly this form of poetry dates all the way back to at least biblical times. Psalms 9, 10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119, and 145, part of Lamentations, as well as Proverbs 31:10-31 are acrostics (in Hebrew of course). More advanced versions of the acrostic can be produced by adding hidden words else where in the poem as well, such as at the end of the line or in the middle of the line. A particularly complex example can be seen in "Behold, O God!" by William Browne.

My Tips, Tricks, & Opinions

Feel free to comment below with your opinions and/or questions about this style.

Achieve the Unique

The coolest part of acrostic poems is the ability to hide messages within a message. Playing around with where the message is contained, doubling messages (such as repeated a word or phrase via both the first and last letters of a line) can be both fun and rewarding. Using more complex structures allows for more intricacy and deeper meanings in your poems.

But Lookout For...

The tricky part of acrostic poems--for me of course--is making sure the poem doesn't sound or feel juvenile. Often I find myself needing to use unnecessary words to maintain the structure or breaking lines at awkward places to ensure the next line starts with the correct word. It's probably best to stay away from words that contain letters which are hard to find at the beginning of words (like X). Including letters like this make it difficult to maintain the natural flow of the poem.

Why I Like It

Acrostic poems remind me of my childhood. The combination of their simplicity mixed with the possibilities for more complex poems represents the journey of growth in poetry to me. This translates in to the deeper meaning of the poem. I also love seeing people's reactions when they realize (usually they have to be told) that there is a message or a word spelled out within the poem. It's like a secret or a present for the readers who know to look.

Examples

Simple Example

Fun (June 5, 2014)

Future events waiting for
Us to explore
Non-stop, never-ending joy

Alphabetical Acrostic Example

A Thought (October 28, 2005)

Above all things in the world,
Beneath the hardships and pains of a girl,
Caress the tears that fall aside
Deep in the craters of a hard life.
Earn every step that you take, because
     Frauds only add to the heartbreak--
     Granted, there are no shortcuts--
Handle things with heart and soul, for
Idle minds never reach their goal.
     Justice waits for those it seeks,
     Knee-deep in the pressures of each week.
          Love the speckled wonders of the sky,
          Mirror their glitter in your eye--
Notice the things around you, and
Openly confess the things you do.
     Persevere when all is lost,
Quitters are left with only cost
          Remember me, my fae, my struggles, my fears
     Sing softly into my listening ears,
          Tell me your secrets, joys and pains
Understand my need to break free of these chains.
Value me, no matter the cause
     Without question, without thought or pause.
          X-rays of feelings will emerge
               Yearning hate and fear to surge
                    Zealously crying out their soft dirge.

References

1. Ken Nesbitt. "How to Write an Acrostic Poem". Poetry 4 Kids; visited 2014
2. Jonathan Went. "Studies on the Hebrew Alphabet: Acrostics". Biblical Hebrew; visited 2014
3. Larry Nelson. "Psalms Chapter 119". Mechon Mamre; visited 2014
4. Michael D. Marlowe. "Acrostics in the Hebrew Bible". Bible Research; visited 2014
5. William Browne. "Behold, O God!". Wikipedia; visited 2014