Introduction

There are many types of interlocking forms of poetry. Some forms use a refrain or a repeating line such as the Rondeau or Rondel. Others set the rhyme by using a line from the previous post and using that line in the last stanza to set the rhyme of the first stanza. One example of this form is the Terza Rima.
An alternative is to use a line from the previous stanza and make it the first or last line of the new stanza, the Villanelle comes readily to mind.

It seems that every nation has enjoyed using their own version of repeating or interlocking forms and poets as well as enjoying the poetic form in its purest manner have also adapted and put their own mark on that form. Lewis Turco and the Terzanelle, is a wonderful example.

All of them are pleasant sounding forms and appear easy to write, but without exception are far more challenging to write than "conventional" rhyming poetry and perhaps this is why they have fallen out of fashion in this modern age of fast food, fast cars and fast poetry.

The purpose here is to reintroduce these oft forgotten forms and challenge you to try them and also to see if in that challenge there can be a little revival.

I hope to add to this collection from time to time, so please if you hear of any form or feel like contributing in some way, please do.
Balassi Stanza Each stanza, a. a. d. b. b. d. c. c. d.

syllable count 6. 6. 7. 6. 6. 7. 6. 6. 7.		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples
Ballade Each stanza, a, b, a, b, b, c, b, C.
And the envoy, b, c, b, C.
eight syllable form		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples
Canzonetta Each stanza, a, b, a, b, c, d, c, D.
or, a, b, a, b, c, b, c, B.
any meter		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples
Kyrielle Each stanza, a. a. b. B.
any number of stanza,
eight syllable form		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples
Lai and Virelai five syllable couplets a, a,
separated by a two syllable line, b,
nine lines per stanza		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples
Quatern A. b. a. b .... b. A. b. a ...
a. b. A. b .... b. a. b. A.
eight syllable form		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples
Rondeau (Ra). b. b. a. ..... a. a. b. R.
..... a. a. b. b. a. R.
eight syllable form		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples
Rondel Two Quatrains A. B. a. b.... a. b. A. B.
Quintain a.b.b.a.A.(B.) or Sestet a.b.a.b.A.B
eight syllable form		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples
Rondine (Ra.) b. b. a. a. b. R.... a. b. b. a. R.

eight syllable form		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples
Roundel a.b.a.B....b.a.b....a.b.a.B.

Any meter		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples
Roundelay a.a.b.B....c.c.b.B....etc.

Any meter		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples
Sestina a.b.c.d.e.f....f.a.e.b.d.c....c.f.d.a.b.e....d.e..d.e.
e.c.b.f.a.d....d.e.a.c.f.b....b.d.f.e.c.a..
1) .. b.a... 2) d.c... 3) f.e. Any meter		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples
Triolet A. B. a. A. a. b. A. B.

eight syllable form		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples
Terza Rima a.b.a....b.c.b...c.z.c....z.z.

eight syllable form		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples
Terzanelle A1.B.A2....b.C.B...c.D.C....d.E.D....e.F.E.
6th (Final) Stanza..f.F.A1.A2..or.. f.A1.F.A2.
No set meter		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples
Villanelle A1.b.A2...c.b.A1...c.b.A2...c.b.A1...c.b.A2.
Final stanza c.b.A1.A2.
No set meter		 More Detailed Information
and Form Examples



Any Comments or Suggestions, please email me

The Poets Garret
Tir Na nOg Poetry Community