Poetry Challenge #59: Terza Rima

Sometimes You Feel Like a Form…

Forms are like puzzles. You need to fit the right number of syllables or a pattern of rhyme or some other word trick into your poem and still come up with a subject. They are fun to play with—and the results can be surprising!

Poetry Challenge #59

Terza Rima

Today’s form is the Terza Rima which means third rhyme. This form creates three line stanzas with lines of any length where the first and third line rhyme. The second line becomes the rhyme for the next stanza. Keep writing stanzas until you’re done with your poem. The last stanza should be two lines that rhyme.

If you’re better at reading rhyme scheme, it goes like this: ABA BCB CDC DED EE

Here’s an example Cindy created :

I have a hole in my left shoe
it’s growing big and wide
and now and then my toe peeks through.

It’s damp and cold when I’m outside
I cannot wear a sock
I need new shoes; these ones have died.

Rain, snow, and cold air are a shock;
they make me dance, you see.
I cannot ever take a walk.

A shopping trip with Mom would be
the best. I need a guarantee.

Your turn!

Set the timer for 7 minutes.

Start writing!

Don’t think about it too much; just do it.

*Cindy Faughnan and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge over 900 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole poem in the comments.