Thursday, April 21, 2011

Day 21 - Let's Write a Rictameter Poem

Day 21 ~ Let’s Write a Rictameter Poem
 
OK, another poem that focuses on the number of syllables per line. It doesn't matter if they rhyme of not. The rictameter form of poetry was created in the early 1990s by two cousins, Jason D. Wilkins and Richard W. Lunsford, Jr., both poets who were inspired by the Robin Williams' movie, "Dead Poet's Society."
 
A rictameter is a nine line poetry form. The 1st and last lines are the same with the syllable count as follows:
  • line 1 - 2 syllables - same as line 9
  • line 2 - 4 syllables
  • line 3 - 6 syllables
  • line 4 - 8 syllables
  • line 5 - 10 syllables
  • line 6 - 8 syllables
  • line 7 - 6 syllables
  • line 8 - 4 syllables
  • line 9 - 2 syllables - same as line 1 
~~~~~~ For a sample I wrote a simple little rictameter poem about my son, BJ, who passed away at the age of 16, after a 5 1/2 year battle with leukemia in 2000 ~~~~~~~

On Missing My Son

 Happy
Joy in each day
What great times we all had
Getting through the good and the bad
And then, my happiness was gone, like you
Your body too weak for this world
Until we meet again
Never to part
Happy

© 2011 Stephanie Abney


Here's a link those of you who are getting serious about writing poetry might enjoy:
Poetry Dances ~ Popular Poetry Styles

OK, YOUR TURN!!!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

DAUGHTERS
Daughters
Delicate, soft,
Quiet and self-reliant.
You could even say they’re pert
But they are also beautiful loving
Daughters of God who are holding
Fast to the Iron Rod
Supreme creatures
Daughters
Mary L. Walling 4/2011

Stephanie Abney said...

Sweet, Mary. Thank you for sharing your wonderful poetry this month!

Vicki said...

To be
And so we ask
The question of mankind.
To those without the truth
It's an unfathomable question.
Those who have the vigor of youth
Have so much piece of mind
No need to ask
To be

Stephanie Abney said...

Nice, Vicki!! Thanks.