Day 20 ~ “Rictameter Poem” for “30 Poems in 30 Days” for #NationalPoetryMonth

Today, let’s try another poem that focuses on the number of syllables per line. It doesn't matter if they rhyme or not. Here is the pattern for a RICTAMETER POEM

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 (use SAME word(s) as in 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 (use SAME word(s) as in line 1)

There really isn’t a need for a title to your rictameter poem since the first line makes a good automatic title, but, on the other hand, I can’t find any “rules” that say you can’t title your poem so I’ve done it both ways with these examples ~ the first one I wrote while I was in China teaching English during their winter break in 2016. It was written directly to the Chinese students. I shared it with them as an example of a rictameter poem. (And today, April 20, is “Chinese Language Day” so a poem about China seemed appropriate). Cheers!!

China

My first time here

I came to teach English

You students were eager to learn

Our team taught you many wonderful things

And you taught us things in return

I hope I can come back

To my new love

China

© 2016 Stephanie Abney

Here’s one I wrote a few years ago about my youngest son who passed away at age 16 

"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

PLEASE REMEMBER ~ any poetry found on this blog, written by me, is my personal property and may not be used without my permission, other than sharing it as an example in a lesson or to read it to someone. The same goes for any poems that are shared in the comments of this blog or elsewhere online as a result of this challenge. They are the creative property of the person who writes them. These poems are their original work and no one may use them without their permission. It is understood that they own the copyright for to them as soon as they post them. Thanks so much!

Also, if you choose to post your poems on your own blog ~ that’s awesome. But PLEASE don’t just copy and paste my daily instructions, but rather post your poem on your blog or your FB wall or wherever AND LINK BACK TO THIS BLOG POST for others to come here to read the instructions. I’ve spent considerable time researching the poetry forms and writing them up to share with you. Thanks for respecting my work.