Wyatt/Surrey Sonnet

Although the sonnet began in Italy in the 13th century, Thomas Wyatt 1503-1542, was one of the first English poets to translate and utilize the form. He used thePetrarchan octave but introduced a rhyming couplet at the end of the sestet. His friend the Earl of Surrey also initiated more rhyme.

The Italian form was restricted to 5 rhymes. After Wyatt and Surrey the sonnet could have 7 rhymes. They also shifted the sonnet away from the slightly more intellectual and argumentative Petrarchan form, and gave new importance to the ending, declamatory couplet. This Wyatt/Surrey adaptation of the sonnet has not been officially named, at least I haven't found an assigned designation yet. So for the sake of identification I call it the Wyatt/Surrey Sonnet.

The defining features of the Wyatt/Surrey sonnet are:
a quatorzain, written with a Petrarchan octave followed by an envelope quatrain ending with a rhyming couplet.
metric, primarily iambic pentameter.
the rhyme scheme is abbaabba cddc ee.
it is composed with the volta (non physical gap) or pivot (a shifting or tilting of the main line of thought) sometime after the 2nd quatrain.
distinguished by the declamatory couplet.

Pasted from <http://www.poetrymagnumopus.com/index.php?showtopic=1045>

Example poem:


Sentient Sonnet (Wyatt/Surrey Sonnet)

The Petrarchan form stood intellectually
rigid for two hundred years, then it stretched.
Now five rhymes seemed not quite enough, so fetched
a couple more, yawned then moved experientially
away from arguments intolerably
constricted, to a poetry that etched
the notions, bards awaited, hands out-stretched-
to write a lighter sonnet, more flexibly.

For English writing folks this ushered in
the beginning of what has never stopped.
Traditionalists chins had surely dropped.
The morphing form was changing from within.

The purists arch their brows and speak disdain,
But sonnets have transformed and will again.

© Larry Eberhart, aka Lawrencealot, Oct 12, 2012

Visual template:

Wordsworth Sonnet

The defining features of the Wordsworth Sonnet are:
A quatorzain consisting of: octet  + quatrain + couplet
 metered, iambic pentameter.
rhymed abbaacca dede ff.
it is composed with the pivot or volta in the very last line.

Wordsworth embraced the Miltonic sonnet, but changed the second quatrain rhyme scheme to compensate for fewer rhyming opportunities in the English language.


Example poem:

Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers (Wordsworth Sonnet)

Should you be moved to speak in anger, dear,
I ask that first you test your words alone.
If anger stems from blunder of my own
You'll want to be assured your meaning's clear.
Harsh words once thrown will travel like a spear.
Is it essential now that blame be found;
will such proceed toward a common ground?
The thoughts that form those words might disappear.

If anger stems from blunders of my own
There's nothing risked delaying words that grate.
I'll be contrite as in the past I've shown
so wait, my love for anger to abate.

My love, use whispers closely late tonight.
And, loving you, I will make it right.

(c) Lawrencealot - May 1, 2012

Visser Sonnet

I am exceptionally glad to add this Sonnet form to my list.
Insofar, as I know it is the only sonnet form to be created by one of the States' Poet Laureates.

Visser Sonnet - Internal rhyme only
Octet + Sestet
-Usually Iambic Pentameter
Rhyme scheme (internal only)    abbaabba cdecde
Originated by Audrae Visser,
Poet laureate of S. Dakota, 1974-2001

I found no specific column mandated for the internal rhyme
Apparently Volta is up to the poet.


Example Poem:
With Hidden Rhyme     (Visser Sonnet)

A Visser Sonnet may be hard to find,
or recognize when you do, for the rhyme
is hidden from your view except when read
aloud, then it will play.  It's internal
and nicely tucked away inside each line.
It could be blank verse too, if iams rule,
for while that form if true, denies end-rhyme
it's mute about the way one  acts inside.

Yet Visser earned our praise as she was South
Dakota's poet queen- well, laureate,
the only one of such to make this mark.
Let us our glasses raise in toast and write
a sonnet now to bring this latent form
to life and add a touch of difference.

© Lawrencealot - November 2, 2012

Visual Template:

Vaughanet

Rhymes with "bonnet" and "sonnet".
A variation of the English sonnet.
It makes some use of near or half rhyme (the first poet in the English language
to use this was the metaphysical poet, Henry Vaughan) but its main innovation is
that it has what normally is the final couplet coming after the first quatrain,
in the 5th and 6th lines.

Example Poems:

Chipmonk Bouquet

I love my Tess, I love my Tess, I do. 

I must confess it is sweet Tess, I crave. 

She rubbed my nose so I suppose love's true. 

She's crazy over flowers, she does rave. 

   "The flower power is most sensual. 

   But neat- it is; they're sweet and edible."

So what we'll do- if fine with you- I say- 

Is place my face right here with baby breath. 

to frame my fame in cellophane bouquet. 

She'll giggle, laugh or else be scared to death. 

But she's the one, I want to share my nuts. 

She's cute, a beauty really with filled cheeks. 

I need to succeed; no ifs ands or buts. 

If this works fine she will be mine for keeps. 

(c) Lawrencealot - April 23, 2012

Author's notes:  I have written three of these, on the first I forgot near rhyme,

on the next, I missed the volta. So I switched to whimsey.

Visual template:

abab cc dede fgfg

Tuckerman’s Sonnet

Tuckerman’s Sonnet – abbabcab adeced
 or abbabcba bdeced

Example Poem:

Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers (Tuckerman Sonnet)

A silence is most fine thing when irate. 

I'll want to help resolve most any plight. 

If I have blundered then I'll be contrite. 

Emotions can cause words to over state 

But calm approaches help keep troubles slight. 

Attack invokes defense without much thought. 

It's wise of you my dear, therefore, to wait, 

We want to solve a problem, not to fight. 

With cause to pause and think, I shall relate. 

So hold those words for later; don't despair 

for now. Wait 'til your anger can abate. 

Use dulcet tones to reap the goal now sought. 

I'll listen, think, and I'll appreciate. 

Speak whispers, lying close- and I'll be caught. 

Visual template:

Tirrell Sonnet

Tirrell Sonnet was invented by R.L. Leonard, aka Tirrell

A quatrazain of two couplets enveloping two tercets enveloping a quatrain.
Meter and voltra are at the poet's discretion.

Rhyme Scheme: A1A2 bcb cddc bcb A2A1

Write a Tirrellet Sonnet

This line demands your very, very best.
These words encompass and corral the rest.

Like onion layers one upon the next
the couplets backed up by the tercet pair
are cover for the most important text.

It may not be a rhyme that rings most rare,
it's just the core of what's a Tirrellet.
a brand new form that A.P. won't forget,
invented here for poets everywhere.

An autologic poem just reflects
the manner followed to the end; we're there
now, when we gets the first two lines annexed

These words encompass and corral the rest.
This line demands your very, very best.

© Larry Eberhart, aka, Lawrencealot Oct. 15, 2012

Trinidad Sonnet

4 tercets + couplet
Generally Iambic Pentameter
Volta at or following line 9
4 tercets + couplet
First and seventh lines compose ending couplet
Rhyme Scheme:  Aba cbc Ded fef AD
This is a form invented by Jose Rizal M. Reyes of the Philippines


Example Poem:

Hope for the Winners      (Trinidad Sonnet)

The race is being run without a doubt.
The rules are changing yet corruption rules.
In every project gov'mint talks about.

Yet private enterprise and science still
will surge ahead with heat that seldom cools,
increasing benefits that awe and thrill.

The gifts we'll see ahead will be profound.
Will joys and health alone prevent  a rage
against the plutocratic greed that's found?

A radical religion may bring hell
to Earth.  A clash, if hatred comes of age
could cost a billion lives before we're well.

The race is being run without a doubt.
The gifts we'll see ahead will be profound.


© Lawrencealot - November 1, 2012


Visual Template:

Triolet Sonnet

2 sestets + couplet (8-syllable lines)
Rhyme Scheme:  ABaAab ABaAab AB


Example Poem:

Neighbor's Aria  (Triolet Sonnet)

I was hapless and homeless bound
but a neighbor gave me a lift.
No cash for an apartment found.
I was hapless and homeless bound.
He swiftly extended a sound
civil plan to a lad adrift.

I was hapless and homeless bound
but a neighbor gave me a lift.
A storage shed had room he found.
I was hapless and homeless bound
but in the shed a couch was found.
"You'll clean it up, so it's no gift."

I was hapless and homeless bound
but a neighbor gave me a lift.

© Larry Eberhart, aka, Lawrencealot - Oct 16,2012


Visual Template:

Tory Hexatet Sonnet

This is a sonnet form created byVictoria Sutton aka PassionsPromise
and name by Larry Eberhart, aka Lawrencealot

Octet + couplet + quatrain
ababcdcd ee ffgg 
first eight lines, 12 syllables,
couplet- eight syllables-
last four lines, 12 syllables
14 lines total, rhyme scheme and syllable count showed above.
the couplet, being the "changing point" -makes a direct statement and
could be read by itself-
ex.  when the mind becomes a tight rope
       heartfelt dreams fall from lack of hope.
Turning point is optional.


Example poems:


Just Makin' Hay

Three guys wouldn't touch me until I turned eight-teen.
Although my virgin license long ago expired.
The young bucks were delighted with a teeny queen.
The mature men I seek deem legal age required.
Yesterday, I told the young pups to all get lost.
They can find another or handle it by hand.
I'm only doing men now who can bear the cost.
With my young age and figure, much I can command.
     
         "Do while time bides your very whim.
           Shine.  Don't put your life-lights on dim."

I figure five years dishing sex and lust and praise.
will adequately prepare me for courting days.
I'll write, and go to school and date without tensions
that I'm confronting as youth with my dimensions.


This is a Parody of Just Another Day
                by PassionsPromise

I have copied the poem below for you convenience

Just Another Day

Thanks to those who remembered June 16, the day
I was born in Ft. Hood Texas, for all to see.
This life, one hell of a journey, burning away
all that was held close to the heart and soul of me.
Yesterday, I watched the day roll by, many tears
shed as faces without distinction waved their hand.
There were no birthday candles, no white cake, just fears
who is who and what is what, a heavy demand
        "when the mind becomes a tight rope
        heartfelt dreams fall from lack of hope..."
Just wishing the stars carried more power and praise
to strengthen this worn woman through demanding days.
Yet, one more year has come and gone, you remembered
the love of Tory before life had her dismembered.

ababcdcdeeffgg

Visual Template

Terza Rima or Diaspora Sonnet

The Terza Rima or Diaspora Sonnet, appeared in England in the 19th century. It makes use of the interweaving pattern and forward movement of the Italian Terza Rima. This variation of the sonnet is written in tercets with an interlocking rhyme scheme and concludes with a refrain or invocation in the form of a heroic couplet.

The defining features of the Terza Rima Sonnet are:
• a quatorzain, made up of 4 tercets and concluding with a rhyming couplet.
• metric, iambic pentameter.
• composed with a volta (a non physical gap) or pivot (a shifting or tilting of the main line of thought) sometime after the 2nd tercet.
• similar to the Spenserian Sonnet in which the poem progresses forward developing the metaphor, conflict, idea or question. The epiphany of the poem arrives logically in the couplet.
• rhymed with up to 6 rhymes with an interlocking rhyme scheme is
 aba bcb cdc ded ff.
• written so that the concluding rhyming couplet serves as a refrain or invocation.

Pasted from <http://www.poetrymagnumopus.com/index.php?showtopic=1043>

The first specifications I used and have posted above were from
http://www.poetrymagnumopus.com/index.php?showtopic=1043

The following I am adding on 10/05/12, as al alternative for I am suspect we shall find both versions
in the field.

Although purists state all sonnets should be Iambic Pentameter, any meter or line length may be used, as long as all the lines are of the same length and meter.
The rhyme scheme is that line 2 of each stanza rhymes with lines 1 and 3 of the following stanza, creating an interlocking pattern. In the final stanza, both lines rhyme with line 2 of the preceding tercet.
The Terza Rima sonnet has the following rhyme scheme,
A1. b. A2... b. c. b... c. d. c... d. a. d... A1. A2.

Pasted from <http://www.thepoetsgarret.com/sonnet/rima.html>


Example Poem:

Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers (Terza Rima Sonnet)


Should you be moved to speak in anger, dear,
I ask that first you test your words alone.
You'll want to be assured your meaning's clear.

If anger stems from blunder of my own
You know that my concern will be repair.
Let's neither utter words we can't disown.

Be sure the words you say are truly fair.
Mistakes may not be cause for placing blame.
Delay harsh words, then later clear the air.

The words when heated likely will inflame
response I'd never give with common thought.
you know your dulcet tones will win the game.

My love, use whispers closely late tonight.
I love you, honey; I will make it right.


(c) Lawrencalot - September 25, 2012



A1bA2 bcb cdc dad A1A2 or  aba bcb cdc ded ff

Visual Template:

Tet Zayin Sonnet

The Tet Zayin Sonnet was created by Amera M. Andersen.  Tet Zayin is the Hebrew number 16      
A new Form with a strict structure it does not have to be iambic. It has 16 lines or four quatrains.      
Rhyme Scheme: Aabb bbcc ccdd ddaA          

Rhyme Scheme: Aabb bbcc ccdd ddaA          
S1=11 syllables      
S2=9 syllables    
S3=9 syllables    
S4 =11 syllables    
Last line is the same as first.      

or:    

S1=11 syllables      
S2=9 syllables    
S3=11 syllables    
S4 =9 syllables    
Last line is the same as first.


Example Poem:

Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers (Tet Zayin Sonnet)

Persuade and convince with whispers in the night.
Speaking out in anger is apt to incite,
invoking defensive fight.  One should just wait,
make sure their words are clear; let anger abate.

An angry start assures a debate
Let's solve the problem, not aggravate.
Harsh words once tossed out, fly like a spear.
You want concurrence, it would appear,

so wait and let anger disappear.
You convince me best when you are near.
If angered by blunder of my own
once I understand I will atone.

Between you and I no harsh words need be thrown
for granting joy to you, increases my own.
Tranquil ev'ning musings always turn out right.
Persuade and convince with whispers in the night.

(c) Lawrencealot - June, 2012


Visual templates:

Tennyson-Turner’s Sonnet

Charles Tennyson-Turner’s Sonnet

Rhyme scheme: abab  cdcd  effe  fe
Meter: Consistent or iambic pentameter
Structure: Three quatrains and a resolving couplet



Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers (Tennyson-Turner Sonnet)

Should you be moved to speak in anger, dear,
I ask that first you test your words alone.
You'll want to be assured your meaning's clear.
If anger stems from blunder of my own.

If meaning's very clear, then is it fair?
Is it essential now that blame be found?
Are these first words intended to repair?
will such proceed toward a common ground?

Perhaps, the words should simply disappear
for now, until your anger can abate.
There's nothing risked delaying words that grate.
Unleashed, harsh words will travel like a spear.

Soft words at night do share a common trait-
they urge me to make problems disappear.

(c) Larencealot - May, 2012



Visual template:

Swannet

This form whilst not the creation of the Canadian poet, Gloria Carpenter, it has become her trademark being used in conjunction with her elemental and avian photo studies in British Columbia.
It is a straight forward form comprising of 3 envelope stanzas and a couplet.
The rhyme scheme is .A1. b. b. A2... c. d. d. c... e. f. f. e... A1. A2.
The meter is not specified but is usualy tetrameter or pentameter.

Example Poem:

Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers (Swannet )

When you are angry, words should be deferred. 

If anger stems from blunder of my own 

I'll not be defensive to quiet tone. 

A voice in dulcet tones is much preferred.

Perhaps, the words should simply disappear 

for now, until your anger can abate. 

There's nothing risked delaying words that grate. 

Unleashed, harsh words will travel like a spear.

We're lovers so we want to get this right. 

If you should softly speak of your despair 

I will want to facilitate repair. 

My love, use whispers closely late tonight.

When you are angry, words should be deferred. 

A voice in dulcet tones is much preferred. 

(c) Lawrencealot - November, 2012

Visual template:

Super Sonnet

This is any Iambic pentameter set of 4 to 8 quatrains ending with a couplet.
The Poet may choose any rhyme scheme.
xxxx xxxx xxxx … xxxx xx


Example Poem:

(Note: that this poem is an Acrostic.  The supersonnet form was chosen
 because it had the correct number of lines and spacing for the characters needed.)

Tell Them They Like It

The crowd was an avalanche coming in.
Event promotion: a circus it seemed.
Less time was spent preparing, staff was thin.
Leaving unspent coupons was quite undreamed.

The parking lot was now afloat with cars.
Hello! The drunks are falling out of bars
Especially to see the dancing girls
Machine precisioned bonnets hid their curls.

The stock boys were an army through the store.
Here stands the boss, a monument to glitz.
Employees hide their hair more than their tits.
You know which stumbling drunks want to see more.

Liquor, and candy-canes donned cloaks of foil.
Instant rebates were blooming on each aisle.
Kiosk sales pitches bubbled to a boil.
E-mail and flyer ads made shoppers smile.

Inventory flew through door through the night,.
This all because the voting turned out right.



Visual Template:

Spenserian Sonnet

A variation the English form is the Spenserian sonnet,
named after Edmund Spenser (c.1552–1599) in which the rhyme scheme is,
abab, bcbc, cdcd, ee
In a Spenserian sonnet there does not appear to be a requirement that the
initial octave set up a problem that the closing sestet answers, as is the
case with a Petrarchan sonnet.
Instead, the form is treated as three quatrains connected by the
interlocking rhyme scheme and followed by a couplet.
The linked rhymes of his quatrains suggest the linked rhymes of such
Italian forms as terza rima.


Poem Example:

Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers (Spenserian Sonnet)

Should you be moved to speak in anger dear
I ask that first you test your words alone.
You'll want to be assured your meaning's clear.
Sometimes context will change with spoken tone.

If anger stems from blunders of my own
There's nothing risked delaying words that grate.
I'll be contrite as in the past I've shown
so wait, my love for anger to abate.

In calmness we can set the record straight
I think harsh words will simply disappear
when dulcet tones from you do emanate.
Your goal will be achieved I think, my dear.

My love, use whispers closely late tonight.
I love you, honey; I will make it right.

(c) Lawrencealot - March, 2012



Visual Template:

Slide Sonnet

The Slide Sonnet is created be Victoria Sutton aka "PassionsPromise."  

Like most sonnets, it has 14 lines. 

It is composed with eight syllables to each line. 

The first half of the first line of each stanza “slides” 

to the last half of the third line, 

creating a unique poetic repetition.  

The rhyme scheme may be “aabb ccdd eeff gg” 

or “abab cdcd efef gg” or abba cddc effe gg"

Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers (Slide Sonnet)

If you should speak in anger, dear, 

first speak where only you can hear 

then speak softly if you should speak 

Good results come from this technique. 

If meaning's clear, is message fair? 

Are words intended to repair, 

if so, they will if meaning's clear 

for your goals are mine too my dear.

The words can wait, while anger cools 

and then converse when reason rules. 

I will be here, the words can wait.

You views I will appreciate. 

Use whispers closely late tonight. 

And honey I will make it right. 

aabb ccdd eeff gg  or abab cdcd efef gg or abba cddc effe gg

Visual Template:

Sicilian Sonnet

FORM :

octave + sestet
* volta (pivot) in line 9
* written in iambic pentameter
* rhyme scheme abababab cdccdc  or abababab cdecde

Example Poem:

Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers       (Sicilian Sonnet)

Should you be moved to speak in anger dear,

I ask that first you test your words alone.

If I have blundered then I will want to hear

but will not gain from harshness in your tone.

Such words once thrown will travel like a spear

We've both before said words we can't disown.

You'll want to make sure that your meaning's clear;

an err unsaid leaves nothing to atone.

So hold those words for later; don't despair,

there's nothing risked delaying words that grate.

My love, use whispers closely late tonight.

I'll listen to your words- you know I'm fair.

So love, allow your anger to abate.

I love you dearly; I will make it right.

© Lawrencealot - June 21, 2013

Visual Template:

Shadow Sonnet

Created by Amera Anderson
May be written in any sonnet style. The Shadow takes place at the beginning and ending of each line as the words are identical or homophonic words or
their derivatives.
14 lines
Should have a volta or pivot (if original form does)
Iambic pentameter is not necessary

Example Poem:

Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers    (Shadow Sonnet)

Speak not in anger, though mad when you speak.
Compose yourself then attempt to compose
phrases defining call to act, phrases
filled not with blame, but requests I can fill.

Partners resolve issues when as partners
they proceed- each understanding that they
own both messages, not merely their own.
I want my final words to be, "Aye aye."

Wait while upsets subside. It's worth the wait.
Care taken framing talk is proof you care.
Help smoothing objections is a big help
solving any problem which we must solve.

Nighttime brings closeness with romance of night.
Whispered concerns vanish with a whisper.

(c) Lawrencealot - March 30, 2012

Visual Template:

Sestina Sonnet

The Sestina Sonnet is written in ten-syllable lines(usually iambic pentameter) and is structured with three stanzas; three quatrains(four-line stanzas) and a concluding couplet(a two-line stanza). The interesting thing about the Sestina Sonnet is that it actually doesn't rhyme. It retains the Sestina qualities by repeating the end-words of lines throughout the piece.

The four words that end the lines of the first stanza, end the lines of the other two stanzas, in a different order each time. The last stanza, uses two of those words per line, with one in the middle and one at the end of the line.

Example Poem:

Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers (Sestina Sonnet)

Don't start a message with an angry word
for voice will carry tones that are not right
for saying what is needed to be heard.
An angry start can last until the night.

Daytime travails get pushed away at night
and 'ere we sleep all problems should be heard.
Tell me I've goofed without an angry word.
We'll fix it, regardless of who is right.

Experience shows that you're usually right
unless you misunderstood deed or word.
A certain magic when we talk at night
yields solutions from voices that are heard.

You will be heard and things will work out right.
Tell me at night by way of whispered word.

(c) Lawrencealot - November 7, 2012


Visual template:
In previous examples I have show most set for Iambic so let's be different here.

Saraband Sonnet- Spanish Style

tercet + quatrain + tercet + quatrain
Four stanzas
Volta at Line 8

Stanza 1 a tercet, rhyme axa or aaa

Stanza 2 a quatrain, any quatrain form or rhyme
The stanza forms may be mixed
Note my lables and templates do not consider mixed forms.

• English: abab or abcb
• Italian: baab
• Spanish: bcbc
• French: bbcc

Stanza 3 a tercet, same tercet form as stanza 1
a sonnet with a French tercet requires
line 2 of both tercets to rhyme.

Stanza 4 a quatrain, any quatrain form and
rhyme
Any metrical foot
Any metrical line
Some authorities insist on eight syllables but this is not cut and dried
Rhyme scheme: depends on the form chosen.
The volta the first line of the second tercet.


aaa bcbc aaa bcbc
axa bcbc axa bcbc

 Example Poem:

Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers (Sarabande Sonnet)

If you should speak in anger, dear
first speak where only you can hear
to be assured your meaning's clear.

If meaning's clear then is it fair?
is blame essential to be found?
Are words intended to repair,
and will they guide toward common ground?

Perhaps they ought to disappear
until your anger is not here,
for thrown, they travel like a spear.

The ripples spread out everywhere.
Use whispers closely, late tonight.
Just say you're angry- for I care.
And honey I will make it right.

(c) Lawrencealot

Visual Template:  (Early on I found the spelling shown below, but have intentionally chose to opt for the more commonly found "Saraband".

Sarabande Sonnet- Italian Style

tercet + quatrain + tercet + quatrain
Four stanzas
Volta at Line 8

Stanza 1 a tercet, rhyme axa or aaa

Stanza 2 a quatrain, any quatrain form or rhyme
The stanza forms may be mixed
 Note: My labels and template do NOT consider any form mixing.

• English: abab or abcb
• Italian: baab
• Spanish: bcbc
• French: bbcc

Stanza 3 a tercet, same tercet form as stanza 1
a sonnet with a French tercet requires
line 2 of both tercets to rhyme.

Stanza 4 a quatrain, any quatrain form and rhyme

• Any metrical foot
• Any metrical line
• Some authorities insist on eight syllables but this is not cut and dried
• 
  
• Rhyme scheme: depends on the form chosen.

The volta the first line of the second tercet.

aaa baab aaa baab
axa baab axa baab

Example Poem:

I have no Example Poem yet, Please Feel Free to send me one.

Visual Template:

Saraband Sonnet - French Style

tercet + quatrain + tercet + quatrain

Four stanzas

Volta at Line 8

Stanza 1 a tercet, rhyme axa or aaa

Stanza 2 a quatrain, any quatrain form or rhyme

The stanza forms may be mixed

 Note: My labels and template do NOT consider any form mixing.

• English: abab or abcb

• Italian: baab

• Spanish: bcbc

• French: bbcc

• Any metrical foot

• Any metrical line

• Some authorities insist on eight syllables but this is not cut and dried

Stanza 3 a tercet, same tercet form as stanza 1

a sonnet with a French tercet requires

line 2 of both tercets to rhyme.

Stanza 4 a quatrain, any quatrain form and rhyme

Rhyme scheme: depends on the form chosen.

The volta the first line of the second tercet. 

aaa bbcc aaa bbcc

aza bbcc aza bbcc  

I have used the "z" letter to indicate the lines must rhyme with each other, but may have any value, including "a thru c".

Example Poem:

I have no Example Poem yet, Please Feel Free to send me one.

Visual Template:  (Early on I found the spelling shown below, but have intentionally chose to opt for the more commonly found "Saraband".

Saraband Sonnet - English Style

tercet + quatrain + tercet + quatrain
Four stanzas
Volta at Line 8

Stanza 1 a tercet, rhyme axa or aaa

Stanza 2 a quatrain, any quatrain form or rhyme
The stanza forms may be mixed
 Note: My labels and template do NOT consider any form mixing.

• English: abab or abcb
• Italian: baab
• Spanish: bcbc
• French: bbcc

Stanza 3 a tercet, same tercet form as stanza 1
a sonnet with a French tercet requires
line 2 of both tercets to rhyme.

Stanza 4 a quatrain, any quatrain form and rhyme

• Any metrical foot
• Any metrical line
• Some authorities insist on eight syllables but this is not cut and dried

Rhyme scheme: depends on the form chosen.
The volta the first line of the second tercet.


Example Poem:

I have no Example Poem yet, Please Feel Free to send me one.

aaaababaaaabab, aaaababaaaabcb, axaababaxaabab, axaababaxaabcb, aaaabcbaaaabab, aaaabcbaaaabcb, axaabcbaxaabab, axaabcbaxaabcb

Visual Template:  (Early on I found the spelling showne below, but have intentionally chose to opt for the more commonly found "Saraband".

Sapphic Ode Sonnet

NOTE: This is admittedly and intentionally not the formal Sapphic Verse.

When I found this construct I did not capture the creator's name, and now that I am making the forms public, I would very much like to provide attribution.  If anyone can help it will be added with appreciation.

3 quatrains composed of 3 lines of iambic  tetrameter
   and a 4th line of iambic dimeter,
closing couplet in iambic tetrameter
Rhyme Scheme: abab cdcd efef gg



Example Poem:

Seasoned Harvest (Sapphic Ode Sonnet)

We gamboled through the summer hay-
alfalfa growing green and tall
enough to hide in anyway,
when we were small.

I had no sibling, nor did she
and neighbors weren't  that near those days.
We'd languor in the apple tree
those summer days.

She grew up lithe and comely yet
while I was craggy faced and shy
through school she did not once forget
I was her guy.

When I asked she did not demure;
"Me, marry you?"she said, "Why sure."

© Lawrencealot - Oct. 18, 2012



Visual Template:

Rubaiyat Sonnet

The original Rubia came from Persia.

Consisting of four lines (quatrain), that can be

of tetrameter or pentameter form.

Rhyming: aaba, bbcb, ccac, aa

There isn't any mention iambs in this form of sonnet. 

Example Poem:

Finish in Glee

Rise up- find the child within

She can play without chagrin.

She has shared you long with me

Let her play with us begin.

Let my child within be free

to reflect with company,

aged but still embracing schemes.

Anxious now for what we'll see.

Serious jobs done now it seems.

Let's now play with mind's own dreams.

We can be silly now and enjoy

watching views of life's extremes.

Hidden by convention's din

shines undimmed to child within.

(c) Lawrencealot - September 22, 2012

Visual Template:

Rosarian Sonnet

Quatorzain Generally  Iambic Pentamter
Volta at or following line 9
Quintet + quintet +  quatrain
Rhyme scheme:  aabcc ddbee fggf
This is a form invented by Jose Rizal M. Reyes of the Philippines


Example Poem:

Momma's Meals    (Rosarian Sonnet)

The frying pan so old and black awaits
ingredients arrayed on several plates.
The bottom boasts a pool of olive oil
One plate has bit-sized chunks of beef on hold;
already seasoned, so I have been told.

Sliced peppers on the next plate can be seen,
It's a riot: yellow, orange, red, and green!
The white rice in a pot begins to boil
as beef and onion pieces start to fry.
The savory aroma brings a sigh.

When peppers are  then added to the mix
and momma stirs the pan too big to lift
the colors and the odors are a gift
that no one better than my mom can fix.

© Lawrencealot - November 1, 2012
Edited November 19, 2010


Visual Template:

Rondel Prime Sonnet

French Sonnet or Rondel Prime is simply a Rondel with an second refrain added to the end of the poem. This verse form unlike most sonnets is usually syllabic. The sonnet was introduced to France in the 16th century by Clemont Marot (?-1544).

The defining features of the Rondel Prime or French Sonnet are:
• a quatorzain, an octave made up of 2 quatrains followed by a sestet.
• isosyllabic, the classic French sonnet is written in Alexandrine lines but this sonnet form can also be found in 8 syllable lines or the lines can be an number of syllables as long as the measure is consistent throughout the poem. In English it is found written in iambic pentameter or Alexandrine lines.
• rhymed ABba abAB abbaAB, A and B being refrains.
• composed with 2 refrains. L1 is repeated in L7 and L13, L2 is repeated in L8 and L14.
• composed with a pivot or turn somewhere after L8.

Pasted from <http://www.poetrymagnumopus.com/index.php?showtopic=1060>

Example Poem:


Reflecting             (Rondel Prime Sonnet)

When desolation grabs your heart and forces tears
Let nature speak, reminding you not all is known.
When you, so young were taken to the funeral biers
my faith was shattered; all beliefs and hopes were thrown

away.  I felt no comfort thinking heaven's spheres
could somehow recompense for earthly love we'd grown.
When desolation grabs your heart and forces tears
Let nature speak reminding you not all is known.

I went to our lagoon, our waterfall appears
today to look like you, and hope renewed is sown
into my soul.  We lived and loved! This thought coheres.
That truly shines. Remember we are just on loan.
When desolation grabs your heart and forces tears
Let nature speak reminding you not all is known.

© Lawrencealot - November 14, 2012


Visual Template:

Romblomanon Sonnet

Quatorzain Generally  Iambic Pentameter
Volta at or following line 9
Quatrain + Couplet + Two quatrains
Rhyme scheme:  aaaa bb cccc dddd
This is a form invented by Jose Rizal M. Reyes of the Philippines


Example Poem:

The Hylonome'  (Romblomonan Sonnet)

I wanted so to be a Hylonome'
the half-woman half horse said once to rome
thru myths, inscribed in ancient dusty tome.
"No, shan't display your breasts away from home."

"But Dad, my tits are finer than my face.
You promised me I'd win a premier place."

"You shall, you have provided me a clue.
Now please go way, I'll see what I can do."
His art with leather shined with stitches true,
and art was wearable when  dad was through.

Her boobs were covered, crushed and that was sad,
but she her face was hidden, that's not bad.
She worn the finest horse-head to be had
and winning first place surely made her glad.


© Lawrencealot -  Oct 31, 2012



Visual Template:

Rainis Sonnet

Rainis Sonnet is a short meditation. Whether or not it is a true sonnet is up for debate. It is a lyrical meditation with a turn or volta, however it is shorter than the usual quatorzain of the sonnet. It is named for the Latvian philosopher and poet Janis Rainis (1868-1929)

Rainis Sonnet is:
• written in 9 lines made up of a quatrain, followed by a tercet ending with a couplet.
• metered, primarily iambic pentameter.
• rhymed, turned on only 3 rhymes. Rhyme scheme abab (cbc or cac) and (aa or bb or cc).

abab cbc aa
abab cbc bb
abab cbc cc
abab cac aa
abab cac bb
abab cac cc
abab cac aa

written with the epiphany arriving in the tercet.

Example Poem:

Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers (Rainis  Sonnet)

Should you be moved to speak in anger, dear, 

I ask that first you test your words alone. 

You'll want to be assured your meaning's clear. 

If anger stems from blunder of my own 

There's nothing risked delaying words that grate. 

Then speak in dulcet soft and husky tone. 

I'll listen, think, and I'll appreciate. 

My love, use whispers closely late tonight. 

I love you dearly, I will make it right. 

© Larry Eberhart, aka, Lawrencealot,  Oct. 11, 2012

  Visual template:

Quatern Sonnet

The original Quatern was a French form consisting of three,
four line stanzas and containing a couplet refrain.
As is normal with French poetry it was constructed using eight syllable lines.
No meter or rhyme scheme was specified.
The Refrain is the first line of the first stanza,
and becomes the second line of the second stanza,
the third line of the third stanza and
finally the last line of the last stanza.
The well known Australian poet Bruce Henderson
suggests replacing the final quatrain with a couplet,
thus making it "a little song".

Quatern Sonnet Template
Note: NO Rhyme required, but ANY permitted,  I have shown common choices.


Example Poem:

Let's write a new Quatern Sonnet

Eight syllables four of which slide
from each stanza by line they glide.
No rhyme required but here I tried.

No meter was specified, yet
for this single Quatern Sonnet
I've used iambic meter tet!
Insulted some back there I'll bet.

Refrains can play like Quaterns do.
Hence naming should make sense to you,
but "sonnet" in Quatern Sonnet
Means fourteen lines in this guy's  view.

We had the thought in our bonnet;
now we've penned a Quatern Sonnet.

(c) Lawrencealot - June 25, 2012


Visual Template:

Pope John XXIII Sonnet

2 quatrains + couplet + quatrain
Generally Iambic Pentameter
Would lend itself well to Tetrameter
Volta Optional
2 Quatrains + Couplet+ Quatrain
Rhyme scheme:  aaaa bbbb cc dddd
This is a form invented by Jose Rizal M. Reyes of the Philippines


Example Poem:

Papacy Pleasing Poetry      (Pope John XXIII Sonnet)

Now Jose' chose to honor previous Pope,
by naming sonnet form with which to cope
when writing of some warm religious hope.
Oh, I expect you might expand its scope.

A pro-abortion poem ought not use
this form.  There are so many more to choose.
But satirists we know like to bemuse,
abuse, confuse and thereby, yes amuse.

The mono-rhyme will lend itself to play
with poems that are light and mainly gay.

Now since the Pope spread happiness and light,
this form can help you do so when you write.
Composed in tetrameter you just might
Deliver verse written to recite.

(c) Lawrencealot - October 31, 2012

Visual Template:

Philippine Stanza Sonnet (Previously called Luzvimninda Sonnet)

3 quatrains + couplet
Generally Iambic Petameter
Volta at or following line 9
3 Quatrains + Couplet
Rhyme scheme: aaaa bbbb cccc dd
This is a form invented by Jose Rizal M. Reyes of the Philippines


Example poem:

Write a Philippine Stanza Sonnet   (Philippine Stanza Sonnet)

You cannot name this sonnet in Trochaic,
nor Iambic - either for heaven's sake?
Four quatrains, each one mono-rhymed will make
this writing seem an easy piece of cake.

While Philippine will scan well on its own
and Stanza fits, like Sonnet, when alone
together three are far from metric prone.
I didn't need to, I just like to moan.

But now the  iambs have been established well,
I have but one more factoid I must tell:
Using a tetrameter would be swell.
In monotetra rhyme it does excel.

So now we've done it, finally we're all through.
I walked you through it  - now you write one too.

(c) Lawrencealot - Oct 31, 2012


Visual template:

Philippine Sonnet

Quatorzain - Generally Iambic Pentameter
Volta at or following line 9
3 Quatrains + Couplet
Rhyme scheme:  aaaa bbbb aaaa cc
This is a form invented by Jose Rizal M. Reyes of the Philippines


Example Poem:

Morning Coffee, Before Work  (Philippine Sonnet)

The do-nut shop was open every day
we gathered there so we could have our say.
The "regulars" would leave their cup to stay
on hook-board: their own coffee cup buffet.

The hunters met the councilmen and cops,
and teachers met their students' moms and pops.
The farmers spoke of watering their crops,
and sporting brags and bullshit never stops.

A newcomer just didn't hood much sway
the coffee group was small-town thought per-se
The men would read, the women might crochet
until the conversation turned their way.

I learned more there than I did watching news
and found a balanced set of rural views.

© Lawrencealot - October 30, 2012

Passion Sonnet

The Passion Sonnet, created by  Victoria Sutton, aka, PassionsPromise,
is composed using the rhyme scheme of the traditional Shakesperian sonnet  but lines 1 and line 3 form the closing couplet and line 4 acts as a refrain line.
Ideally composed in iambic pentameter or decasyllabic lines.

Rhyme Scheme
A1 b A2 B1
b c B1 c
B1 d b d
A1 A2



Example Poem:

Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers (Passion Sonnet)

Oops Wait! Don't speak out in anger now dear.
I want to be receptive not hostile.
Instead come close and whisper in my ear
for whispers naturally make me smile.

If anger boils now dear, just wait a while
then hold me and whisper andbe amazed.
for whispers naturally make me smile.
All your concerns will quickly be appraised.

for whispers naturally make me smile.
and angry is not how I prefer you.
Just state what you need without any guile.
and it will be yours quite before we're through.

Oops Wait! Don't speak out in anger now dear.
Instead come close and whisper in my ear.



Visual Template:

Kiwi Pause

NOTE:  I have become AWARE that there EXISTED A SONNET FORM named NEW ZEALAND SONNET

Before the creation of the form by the same name by Jose Rizal M. Reyes, which I introduced here.

For clarification, until Jose has time and inclination to

resolve the conflict I'll refer to his as Kiwi Sonnet, a sub-title he did provide.

New Zealand (Kiwi)
Renamed here to  Kiwi Pause - Suggested by creator.

Quatorzain, Generally Iambic Pentameter or tetrameter

Volta at or following line 9

3 Quatrains + Couplet

Rhyme scheme:  abba ccdd effe gg

This is a form invented by Jose Rizal M. Reyes of the Philippines

Visual Template for Kiwi Sonnet
Note:  The template still bears the original, inappropriate name.

New Zealand Sonnet

Marked by its isolation from the two major sonnet sources, the New Zealand sonnet is a hybrid of Italian, English with the French influence of interlocking the quatrains; remembering that although a former English colony a few islands in the Pacific are French speaking.

Here is the rhyme scheme;

a. b. a. b. . . b. b. c. c. . . c. d. c. d. . . e. e.

Here is an example.

Pasted from <http://thepoetsgarret.com/sonnet/newzealand.html>

Visual Template