Formal Poetry Samples

Tha Alloette and the Pantoum

Just for a change, let’s look at two examples of poetry forms that once were popular, but now are more likely to be seen in poetry forums and specialist groups.

Both forms require careful planning due to their structured repetition, but they can produce very beautiful and resonant effects when done well.

The Allouette

Though tastes may linger

smell is the bringer of memories

to older folk.

Recalling those days,

grassy fires ablaze, aromas of thick

woodland smoke.

Fresh bread was taken

with crispy fried bacon, under a

summer sun’s yoke.

The smell of fried ham

recalls peace and calm, a comfort

to older folk.

Okay, let's break down the rules for this poetic form:

The Allouette

The Allouette (French for "lark") is a French form consisting of any number of sestets (6-line stanzas).

Rules:

1. Stanza Form: Composed of sestets (6-line stanzas).

2. Line Length:

   • Lines 1, 2, 4, and 5 are of a longer, consistent length (often 8 syllables or iambic tetrameter).

   • Lines 3 and 6 are of a shorter, consistent length (often 4 syllables or iambic dimeter).

   • So, the pattern per stanza is: Long, Long, Short, Long, Long, Short.

3. Rhyme Scheme: Each sestet follows an aabccb rhyme scheme. The 'b' rhymes are the short lines.

4. Refrain:

   • Line 3 of the first stanza becomes line 6 of the second stanza.

   • Line 3 of the second stanza becomes line 6 of the third stanza, and so on.

   • The poem concludes with the third line of the final stanza serving as the very last line of the poem (it doesn't repeat as a line 6 elsewhere).

5. Number of Stanzas: Can be any number of stanzas, though usually at least two to establish the refrain pattern.

Key Characteristics:

• The repetition of the short lines creates a musical, echoing effect.

• The challenge lies in making the repeated lines fit naturally and meaningfully in their new context.

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And now – the Pantoum

Snowfall

Across the deep valley, fall feathers of snow,
Filling stark fissures, so gnarled and deep.
Carpeting, smothering what lies below;
Tumultuous star lights in soft spectral sweep.

Filling stark fissures, so gnarled and deep,
With Nature’s blanched raindrops, a glittering shawl.
Tumultuous star lights in soft spectral sweep;
Enchanting and graceful, a sight to enthral.

With Nature’s blanched raindrops, a glittering shawl,
Carpeting, smothering what lies below;
Enchanting and graceful, a sight to enthral
Across the deep valley, fall feathers of snow

The Pantoum

The Pantoum is a Malaysian form adopted by French and then English-language poets. It's known for its distinctive pattern of repeated lines.

Rules:

1. Stanza Form: Composed of quatrains (4-line stanzas).

2. Line Repetition:

   • The second and fourth lines of each stanza are repeated as the first and third lines of the next stanza.

   • So, if Stanza 1 is:
     Line 1
     Line 2
     Line 3
     Line 4

   • Then Stanza 2 will begin:
     Line 2 (from Stanza 1)
     Line 5 (new line)
     Line 4 (from Stanza 1)
     Line 6 (new line)

3. Ending:

   • The poem traditionally concludes in one of two ways for the final stanza:

     • Common method: The first and third lines of the very first stanza become the fourth and second lines (respectively, in reverse order) of the final stanza.
       So, if the poem has 'N' stanzas:
       Line 1 of Stanza 1 becomes Line 4 of Stanza N.
       Line 3 of Stanza 1 becomes Line 2 of Stanza N.
       (The first line of the poem is its last line, and the third line of the poem is its antepenultimate line).

     • Alternative ending: Some variations have the final stanza returning to the first line of the poem as its last line, and the unrepeated lines of the first stanza (lines 1 and 3) form the other two lines of the final stanza in some configuration. The "reverse order" method above is more standard in Western practice.

4. Rhyme Scheme (Optional but Common in English):

   • While traditional Malay pantuns don't always rhyme strictly, Western adaptations often use an abab rhyme scheme within each stanza. The repeated lines must then rhyme accordingly in their new positions.

5. Meter and Line Length:

   • There's no strict rule for meter or line length, but consistency throughout the poem is generally preferred for a sense of rhythm and flow.

6. Number of Stanzas: Can be any length, but at least two stanzas are needed to establish the pattern. Four or more is common.

Key Characteristics:

• Creates a cyclical, dreamlike, or echoing effect.

• The meaning of the repeated lines can shift subtly as they are placed in new contexts with new companion lines.

• It can be used for narrative, reflection, or creating a particular mood.

• The challenge is to make the repetitions feel natural and meaningful, advancing the poem rather than just restating.

• The challenge lies in making the repeated lines fit naturally and meaningfully in their new context.

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These forms are difficult, but done well can result in a pleasant and clever form for the aspiring poet.