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Monotetra Poems


This week, I  have  taken up the challenge of writing a  'monotetra poem.'

A monotetra is a poetic form developed by poet,  Michael Walker sometime in the early 2000's.  I tried to find out more about how Michael came up with this form, but It's all a bit vague, actually.

Monotetras are comprised of quatrains (four line stanzas) and a closing refrain. Each line has a total of eight syllables and end with mono rhymed lines. The final line of each stanza delivers a repeat of four syllables. 

The rules:
  • Four line stanzas
  • Each line has eight syllables
  • Each line ends with a mono rhymed word
  • The fourth line of each stanza has a four syllable repeated refrain

 The poem can have as many stanzas as you wish.  My monotetra is two stanzas long. 


A Poet On The Launching Pad


Sometimes it's hard to make a start
Ideas land, but stay apart
The challenge of this writing art
To trust your heart, to trust your heart.

Then words upon the page arrive
Your writing heart feels so alive
You've found the spark for which you strive
A poet's drive, a poet's drive.
Alan j Wright













It is yet again Poetry Friday and this week our genial host is Tabatha Yeatts at The Opposite of Indifference. As our host Tabatha shares some insightful thoughts regarding resistance and the things that frustrate us. She shares a rather clever found poem, written by her daughter, Ariana.
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Comments

  1. mbhmaine24 February 2023 at 23:16

    Thanks for sharing the monotetra, Alan, and for your shared example. That first stanza really speaks the truth! I'm looking forward to playing around with the form in my notebook.

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    1. Alan j Wright25 February 2023 at 10:58

      You could bcome Monotetra Molly! Glad you liked my introduction.

      Delete
  2. Carmela Martino25 February 2023 at 02:03

    Thanks for sharing this new-to-me form. I love how your poem's title draws us in, and how we "take off" in the second stanza.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright25 February 2023 at 10:59

      My pleasure Carmela. I appreciate your reflective response to my words.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous25 February 2023 at 03:09

    From Susan T.: This sounds like the beginning of a song, Alan! Possibly a country song. I'll have to give the form a try, too.

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    1. Alan j Wright25 February 2023 at 11:18

      I hadn't thought of it from that perspective Susan, but given the close relationship between lyrics and poetry, I shouldn't be surprised. Have fun with the Monotetra...

      Delete
  4. Kay25 February 2023 at 04:55

    That form looks like a brain teaser. Thanks for sharing it. I like what you wrote for it.

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    1. Alan j Wright25 February 2023 at 11:21

      It wasn't too taxing for my Friday morning brain fortunately, Kay. I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the process of 'making' the poem. I was lucky I had the subject to bring to the process.

      Delete
  5. Carol Varsalona25 February 2023 at 05:02

    Alan, thank you for introducing me to the monotetra poem. Your title is so inviting and by stanza two the poem evolves. "To trust your heart!" - a wonderful thought!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright25 February 2023 at 11:22

      Carol, I appreciate your considered response. Glad you liked the form and the focus.

      Delete
  6. Anonymous25 February 2023 at 06:50

    I like "Ideas land, but stay apart" feels familiar to me and we strive to bring ideas together. I like the rhythm of this form and it seems it's partly due to the syllabic count. Thanks, Alan.

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    1. Alan j Wright25 February 2023 at 11:25

      Ah, the initial stand off between ideas and intent. We must strive for connection. I think you're spot on with your observation about the syllabic constancy of the form. I found that aspect quite comforting.

      Delete
  7. Linda B25 February 2023 at 07:33

    It's plain & clear, almost a startling form, speaking truth! I like the way the final lines sound, Alan. And I love the quotes! Thanks for sharing this form, new to me!

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    1. Alan j Wright25 February 2023 at 11:27

      Like you, Linda, I enjoyed the refrain at the end of each stanza. It was an emphatic statement. I am pleased to have made the introduction. A startling form indeed. I shall be trying some more, no doubt about it.

      Delete
  8. Tabatha25 February 2023 at 07:49

    Nice job with the monotetra, Alan. Thank goodness for those times when we find the spark!

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    1. Alan j Wright25 February 2023 at 11:30

      Thanks Tabatha. Yes, the 'spark' is such an essential and magical aspect of writing and we must remain eternally grateful when it suddenly looms up.

      Delete
  9. Linda Mitchell25 February 2023 at 22:21

    Hooray! A new form to play with. And, a wonderful mentor text, too. Thank you, Alan. I love the truth of your last line.

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    1. Alan j Wright1 March 2023 at 13:20

      Thank you Linda. Glad you liked this new form of poetry. Good luck with your own exploration...

      Delete
  10. Denise Krebs26 February 2023 at 03:10

    Alan, your monotetra is wonderful, and speaks to the joy you have as a poet. I love the image of some of your work, published and in process. I look forward to giving the monotetra a try.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright1 March 2023 at 13:22

      Thanks Denise. Much appreciated. Glad you noticed the image. It was specifically chosen to complete the writing scene. Good luck moving forward with Monotetra Poems!

      Delete
  11. Bridget Magee27 February 2023 at 01:26

    You've sparked my interest in the monotetra form, Alan. "Your writing heart feels so alive" - nice!
    And that Auden fella was on to something... :)
    (what an honour to see the 10.10 Poetry Anthology keeping company with some amazing mentor texts!)

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    1. Alan j Wright1 March 2023 at 13:24

      Sparking is good Bridget. Auden's words ring so true, particularly in this instance. It was quite timely synchronicity. Glad you liked the specially chosen texts.

      Delete
  12. Patricia Franz28 February 2023 at 06:51

    It'll be fun to play with the monotetra form, Alan. Thank you for suggesting it to us. I am delighted with your objective look at writing poetry, having found both subject and form. Bravo!

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  13. Alan j Wright1 March 2023 at 13:27

    I wish you lots of enjoyment dabbling in Monotetra, Patricia. I thoroughly enjoyed this form of poetry. It won't be the last time I call by for help. Auden's word certainly rang true in this instance. I am most grateful for that delightful experience.

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  14. Karen Edmisten 2 March 2023 at 01:19

    The monotetra is new to me and yours is delightful! It's an inviting form, so prescribed and yet lots of room to move around.

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    1. Alan j Wright3 March 2023 at 10:37

      Thank you, Karen. It is a quite inviting form as you state, and while the structure is prescribed. I didn't feel constricted.

      Delete
  15. Carol Varsalona27 July 2023 at 13:08

    Alan, thanks for giving me guidance on the a new form for me, the monotetra.

    ReplyDelete

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