A Rispetto, an Italian form of poetry, is a complete poem of two rhyme quatrains. Rispetto, (Italian for respect) plural rispetti, is a Tuscan folk verse form.
The Rispetto has a rhyme scheme of ABAB (first quatrain) CCDD (second quatrain). In its earliest form the rhyme scheme was usually abab abcc. Later, the scheme abab ccdd became more prominent. However other variations can also be found.
The form reached its pinnacle of both artistic achievement and popularity in the 14th and 15th centuries, particularly in the work of Politian, who is said to have written some 200 rispetti.
Earlier this week I returned to my childhood town of Monbulk. Scouted around my old haunts for a few hours, quietly reminiscing. Spent some time rewalking the old track through the forest beside the Sassafras Creek. As boys we caught rainbow trout, blackfish and yabbies on our regular visits. The old wooden bridge over the creek has met a sad end. There was a time when we rode our bikes over it. The forest still has a mystical feel to it for me. More quiet time. More reflection.
It was a timely visit for it has inspired this Rispetto poem.
I walked the narrow winding track
Through the forest green
My childhood days came flooding back
And those years in between
My fortunate days along the creek
When blessed times were at a peak
The spirit of this mystic place
The passing years cannot erase.
Alan j Wright
Thanks for introducing me to the rispetto and for taking us along on your visit to childhood haunts. What a lovely place to linger as a child!
ReplyDeleteAlways nice to be able to share another poetry form Molly. Glad you enjoyed my meander through the forest of my childhood. I was so fortunate to have this backdrop for adventures and reflections across those formative years.
ReplyDeleteJust when you think you've learned all the poetry forms, another one pops up. Your rispetto with its rhyme and rhythm creates a mystic, old tone. I'm reminded of Robert Frost and walking through woods on a snowy evening.
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret. I think those who formulated the Rispetto guide us gently in the direction of rhyme and rhythm. To talk of Robert Frost does me an honour.
DeleteThanks for the introduction to the Rispetto. Monbulk looks delightful. (It's hard to imagine you riding a bike over that bridge! It must have seen better days...)
ReplyDeleteI was quite disappointed to see the bridge in such a state. Monbulk, situated in the Dandenong Ranges outside Melbourne is indeed a special place.
DeleteJust so happens I'm working on a poem about respect, so this is very helpful & timely. Thanks, Alan... I
ReplyDeleteenjoyed both the poems and photos.
So pleased to hear my timing has been of service to a fellow poet Karen. Glad you enjoyed my poem and pictures.
DeleteI am very sentimental and loved reading about your return to the place you grew up, the forest where you rambled, Alan. I fished some with an uncle in a favorite creek when I grew up, so that stream picture reminded me of that time. The rispetto feels like a form always meant as a "reading". I love your poem's aspect and rhythm. Happy Weekend!
ReplyDeleteA sense of nostalgia for both of us Linda. Glad you found that connection.
DeleteThanks for introducing me to this form - and for the lovely walk, through words and images.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure Sally. Glad you enjoyed the gentle ramble through my childhood locale.
DeleteAlan, this is an awe walk from which you wrote a marvelous poem (form I never heard of). Thank you for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteCarol, it was my at leisure pleasure to share this affirming experience back in my old home town. Glad you enjoyed my Rispetto poem too.
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