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Poetry Friday -The Triolet Poem


The Triolet (TREE-o-LAY), is a poetic form with 13th century French roots. It has links to the rondeau or 'round' poem. 

 The triolet is perfect for using repetition, because the first line of the poem is used 3 times and the second line is used twice. It's an 8-line poem, so there are only 3 other lines to write.

 Two of those lines rhyme with the first line, the other rhymes with the second line.

 The triolet looks like this:
A (first line)
B (second line)
a (rhymes with first line)
A (repeat first line)
a (rhymes with first line)
b (rhymes with second line)
A (repeat first line)
B (repeat second line)

 I only had to look out the window this morning in order to find my inspiration. I could hear the wind howling through the trees and witness its command, its power, over all things outdoors. 

 The Morning Wind

 The wind now bullies the trees
Ferocious, unyielding and bold
It formed from a gentle breeze
The wind now bullies the trees
With the strength of Hercules
A blustering blast, icy cold
The wind now bullies the trees
Ferocious, unyielding and bold.

 Alan j Wright
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Comments

  1. Books4Learning11 August 2018 at 01:40

    I haven't ever seen this poetic form. I like the form and the poem. You do an excellent job personifying the wind. Thanks for sharing your poem.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright11 August 2018 at 10:50

      It was new to me too, and like you I find it pleasing to my sensibilities. Writing the poem reminded me how important it to identify the right subject and the fact that it was there, right in front of me made it a logical subject to focus upon. Thank you for your kind remarks.

      Delete
  2. Mary Lee11 August 2018 at 21:20

    The explanation sounds so complicated, but you make it seem so easy!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright11 August 2018 at 22:51

      If I'm perfectly honest Mary Lee, it was a little confusing to begin with, but the end result was quite pleasing so I'm glad I persisted. These different poetic forms I have been exploring have proven to be informative and challenging too. That's their appeal.

      Delete
  3. Molly Hogan11 August 2018 at 22:44

    I've never tried a triolet and I appreciate your careful (and visual) explanation. There's a beautiful rhythm to your poem and I agree with Mary Lee--you make this look easy!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright11 August 2018 at 22:55

      Thanks Molly. It was a bit like baking a cake. I had to mix in each of the ingredients and hope it came out well in the end and as I explained to Mary Lee it took some time to 'make it and bake it,' but I also like the rhythm of these triolet poems once the parts of all together.

      Delete
  4. Kay12 August 2018 at 10:36

    I've enjoyed writing a few triolets. Once I find the right first two lines, I enjoy the gentle rhythm and repetition. I can feel and hear that ferocious wind as I read your poem.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright12 August 2018 at 14:15

      The quest as you state Kay is to find those first two lines. I always tell young poets they must begin and end strongly, so I must practice what I preach. Like you I found some comfort in both the rhythm and the repetition of the Triolet.

      Delete
  5. Michelle Kogan12 August 2018 at 15:29

    Strong, gusty poem Alan! I'm sorry for your " blustering blast, icy cold" weather–but I guess it served you by inspiring this poem. I wrote a triolet recently about the immigrant children being separated from their parents. Thanks for sharing yours.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright16 August 2018 at 10:11

      Thanks Michelle. I guess once we have identified the subject/ focus of our writing, the defined structure of the poem assists its emergence. Inspiration is everything.

      Delete
  6. Donna Smith14 August 2018 at 05:51

    Triolets seem like they will be easy because there are so many repeating lines...until you realize they all have to relate to each other. (of course, it could be a "Random Triolet" form - which doesn't relate or make sense, but is so easy...lol!)
    Great job tying your triolet together so poetically!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright16 August 2018 at 10:12

      Triolets are deceptive Donna! Thank you for your kind remarks. They present a challenge, but the result for effort is most pleasing.

      Delete

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