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IntroductionThe Welsh and Irish have several examples of six line poetry as aficionados will quickly attest and there are also several Oriental forms as well. Again most poets do not consider these forms when experimenting with writing other forms. The purpose of this challenge is to introduce poets to these forms and in taking up this challenge expand their awareness and enjoyment of poetry. back to list |
Sestet Challenge....Contents
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Rime CouéeWith spotlights on, the show begins: on a blank screen a circle grins a big smile of surprise; then sudden cries of violins shout down the noise of motor spins- while coloured slides catch eyes. As lakes and mountains fade from sight, a setting sun pours golden light on faces in the room; a short, dry click, the timing's right, the show goes on, the smiles are bright; on screen the flowers bloom. Infectious yawning tears the veil; it breaks the spell and faces pale with curtains now drawn wide. Projector hums with a soft wail. The watchers stretch- an end to tales; eyes mirror the last slide. Leny Roovers -----
A Pair
Follow Me |
Standard HabbieUnder freeway lights so sedate A drifter walks a path not straight Just ahead heavy with no weight The form of a shadow Full and complete with all the traits Of old times long ago With cash in hand the way is paid Many motels and nights are stayed The law in tail one must evade The past not far behind In an old life he was betrayed Echo's voice to remind Thumbing a ride people fly past Safely in their cars driving fast Middle of nowhere quiet at last The shelter of the dark His life to now such a contrast Inner thoughts do remark A trucker stops his only friend With small chit chat do they pretend The fare is talk he need not spend What's left of his bank roll When he gets out his hand extends Thanking for a cheap toll From town to town the stranger goes In musty bars does he suppose A life once known in dreams he doze Disappear with each day He wakes and gathers to compose Leaves a fiver to pay Wanders through a deserted town The midday sun tickles his frown People that watch him walk around Put calls into the law He knows his time is running down Rubbing his stubbled jaw Hasn't showered for a few days Hoping perhaps here he could stay Peoples fear pushing him away Not so much as good bye Upon their children he might prey In county pen he'd die The drifter looks upon the rise Turning his back from all the lies Tiredness visible in his eyes Yet their kept tightly closed For those that see through his disguise Could have his past exposed He came home one day after work Flowers he carried with a smirk To apologise for being a jerk Opening door to moans He broke the man and went berserk Falling down with a groan He had then scrambled to his feet Hung his head low and in defeat Stumbled outside into the street Over her foolish fling Victim to ultimate deceit To live a life drifting Michael Dixon -----
Coupler |
Short Particular MeasureTo write a six line verse turns quickly in a curse; A Rime Couée is not too bad, the Standard Habbie worse; the need to keep lines terse in Stave and Sestet drives me mad. The Hir a Thoddaid's rhyme flows sullenly as slime; while Cywydd Llosgyrnog runs on, a Clogyrnach sublime is born on sweet Welsh thyme- Gwawdodyn hir a paragon. The sestets are diverse, Italians perverse! Heroic or Sicilian, Sextillas in blank verse. In my poetic purse are still three forms, they're Gordian.. As Turco mentioned these, they are the last I seize: The Couplette Envelope's pleasure- it should be wrought with ease; at last the final tease: A Short Particular Measure. Leny Roovers back to list |
CoupletsI fear to laugh and so to weep The scars I wear are old and deep Live on I must, at least to try I do my best as days pass by. Fate treats me ill, she is not kind Promised me once then changed her mind We loved, he left then came once more Impatient, wait for rap on door Too weary for another test I swallow sleep's eternal rest My love my love my love I sigh Into death's mist and days pass by. Etain Druantia -----
Today
Hope (Heroic Couplets) ----- =
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Stave StanzaTHE night is dark and you're alone. In fear you hear the night beasts moan See the shadows move on the wall Spine chilling as the white wolves call In fear you cringe as beasties groan The night is dark and you're alone. The night is dark and you're alone. Too late now courage is overthrown And evil wagers for your soul His creatures waiting for his call With slavering jaws that can crush bone The night is dark and you're alone. The night is dark and you're alone. In terror you reach for the phone The phone is dead the line is down Isolated from any town You are reaping what you have sown The night is dark and you're alone. Teagan back to list |
Envelope CoupletTOMORROW is another day do not think that you can lay in ease and wait the sun's caress whilst it heralds morn and dress the dawn with hued colour play tomorrow is another day. Tomorrow is another day the gentle winds of morn makes sway and autumn breezes scent the air playing with the walkers hair if time froze would we wish to stay tomorrow is another day. Tomorrow is another day and with evening its time for play and talk of love and better things then to sleep see what morning brings the lights go out and shadows stay tomorrow is another day. Teagan back to list |
Italian SestetShe is a lady with green jewelled eyes, a sleek fur coat enhances her trim form- it's dappled grey on cream, with matching boots; her dainty feet are of the smallest size. The hat she wears is pointed, cute and warm; an elegant and charming choice of suits. But when she starts to talk, it changes all- with piercing cry she will demand her share of either food, attention or caress. A lady from Siam, you might recall, is blessed with one demanding voice and stare. It's best then to comply, prevent distress. Obedience is welcomed and repaid, as soon she shows a different side of her; decorum put aside she wants to play: she gently bites in hands- you can't evade- inviting you to stroke her satin fur. She's purring loudly now, a love essay. Leny Roovers -----
Thoughts on War
Clay of Life
Sharing Lives |
Sicilian SestetLoving, sleeping sharing life's rich plate You and I are together as we should be. Dream time together our senses sate In the halls of waiting you and me In spite of distance, you are my mate Spending forever together in eternity. Teagan -----
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Spanish SestetHer hair piled high, on top a comb from which a veil as a black foam flows down white shoulders, soft as pearl; her dress is red, her heels are high, the music's sad, the guitars cry- the dance begins, her skirts unfurl. Her feet are moving fast, she sways in rhythm with each soulful phrase the players wrest now from the strings; and in her hands, the castanets speak words of love and of regrets - the dance goes on, the music sings. Her body glistens from the heat, her feet are moving with the beat of strings that sing and gently moan; the speed increases, players bend, they are united, voices blend - the dance then ends, a final tone. Leny Roovers back to list |
Wordsworth SestetI fear to laugh and so to weep The scars I wear are old and deep Live on I must, at least to try I do my best as days pass by. Fate treats me ill, she is not kind Promised me once then changed her mind We loved, he left then came once more Impatient, wait for rap on door Too weary for another test I swallow sleep's eternal rest My love my love my love I sigh Into death's mist and days pass by. Etain Druantia back to list |
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