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Rondelet Poem


This week I am sharing information regarding Rondelet poems. The rondelet is a typical French form with rhymes and refrains. 

Here are the basic guidelines for this poetic form:

7 lines

Lines 1, 3, and 7 are refrains

Refrain lines are 4 syllables long, other lines are 8 syllables

Rhyme scheme: AbAabbA

So here's my attempt at a Rondelet poem...


Let Me Lift Your Spirits

Just let me know

If you need words to make you smile

Just let me know

I can bring you love and laughter

I could walk with you awhile

We could celebrate with style

Just let me know


Alan j Wright

It's Poetry Friday once again...
Our host this week is Tricia at Miss Rumphius Effect  Please visit to discover more about the effects of grief on the human condition. 








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Comments

  1. Mary Lee11 September 2021 at 00:03

    What a fun new form! It feels like it should be set to music!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright11 September 2021 at 12:52

      Glad you like it Mary Lee. I agree, it does possess a musical quality to its form.

      Delete
  2. Elisabeth11 September 2021 at 00:30

    Thanks for the introduction to this form. A wonderful theme, and I particularly like the lines "If you need words to make you smile" and "I could walk with you awhile."

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright11 September 2021 at 12:52

      Thank you Elisabeth. Glad the words I wrote struck a chord.

      Delete
  3. Janice Scully11 September 2021 at 00:52

    This is a totally charming form. I've written it down and want to try it. I love the refrain placement and the use of line length. And your poem reminds kids that it's OK to ask for what you need at a time when we are all feeling so separate.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright11 September 2021 at 12:54

      Go for it Janice. It was initially challenging, but I'm glad I persisted. Hopefully the words speak a little for these times.

      Delete
  4. Linda B11 September 2021 at 08:25

    It's nice, Alan. I love the tone you've set, heartful of caring. It's interesting to me that the guide sets the 'refrain' first. But you've shown that it works very well. Thanks for the intro!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright11 September 2021 at 12:57

      Keen observation Linda. The refrain assumes a slightly different role here, but it sets up the poem that rolls out from that introductory line. Glad you liked the meeting with the Rondelet

      Delete
  5. Linda Mitchell11 September 2021 at 09:17

    How lovely....an old form with a modern feel in your words. Love, 'just let me know.'

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright11 September 2021 at 12:58

      Thanks Linda. Sometimes those everyday phrases lend themselves perfectly to our poetic needs.

      Delete
  6. Jone11 September 2021 at 09:23

    Thanks for the new form. I love the refrain.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright11 September 2021 at 12:59

      Thank you Jone. It just popped up and I thought let's go somewhere together...

      Delete
  7. Ruth13 September 2021 at 03:28

    What a lovely rondelet!

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  8. Michelle Kogan13 September 2021 at 14:35

    Your rondelet is lovely Alan, as is the pic! I thought of the rondel or aka rondeau. I like this slightly shorter version too.

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    1. Alan j Wright17 September 2021 at 13:29

      Thank you Michelle. These forms are close in structure.

      Delete
  9. Karen Edmisten 15 September 2021 at 22:15

    Ah, this made me smile. I love the photo you paired with your poem, too. A lovely rondelet that leaves me wanting to celebrate words with you.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright17 September 2021 at 13:30

      Smiling is good Karen. Let the celebrations begin!

      Delete
  10. Carol Varsalona19 September 2021 at 09:54

    Alan, I missed this post last week but so glad that I caught up. I love what you did with your rondelet poem. I think I should try it out. The title, "Let Me Lift Your Spirits" is such a wonderful invitation!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright19 September 2021 at 12:13

      Thank you Carol. The Rondelet seems to have sparked some energy for fellow poets, so I am well pleased. The title was inspired by the events of our present day predicaments.

      Delete

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