Terzanelle -- February's Poetry Workshop

A terzanelle is a rhyming poem, a combination of the Terza Rima's interlocking rhyme scheme and the repetition of the Villanelle.

(the Villanelle has only two rhymes and two lines are repeated four times each in the 19 line poem. It's very difficult to write, but is thought to be one of the most emotional of poems. It is also thought to be one of the hardest poems to write, and so I think its better left for later down the list .)

The Terzanelle is a softened form of the Villanelle, allowing the emotion, but also giving the writer a bit more freedom and flexibility. The middle line of the 1st stanza becomes the third line of the next stanza, which makes it more difficult, but worth the effort and determination to finish. The finished poem should have a musical feel to it; Dylan Thomas writes in both the villanelle and the terzanelle forms.

Because the repeated line changes and the rhyme sounds change (according to terza rima structure) the terzanelle is a less obsessive poem than the villanelle whose repetetion can be overpowering. A terzanelle's repetetion is more subtle and can give the poem a lush texture that a harsh repeater-poem cannot do. Terzanelle's are difficult to write, but fun to play with.

They are strictly written in iambic pentamater, but playing with the foot and stress can be a good way to get better flow – ideally, though, you should keep all lines in whatever meter you picked. The trick with repeating poetry is to try to get the repeaters to either change silghtly (or wildly) in meaning, or to build to a head of steam. For monstrously good terzanelles, try to get the end of your thought/sentence to fall in the middle of the line.


The rhyme scheme looks like this (with capital letters A1, B1 etc... being repeated lines)

This is Lewis Turco's "Terzanelle in Thunderweather"

This is the moment when shadows gather A1
under the elms, the cornices and eaves. B1
This is the center of thunderweather. A2

The birds are quiet among these white leaves b
where wind stutters, starts, then moves steadily C1
under the elms, the cornices, and eaves-- B1

these are our voices speaking guardedly c
about the sky, of the sheets of lightning D1
where wind stutters, starts, then moves steadily C1

into our lungs, across our lips, tightening d
our throats. Our eyes are speaking in the dark E1
about the sky, of the sheets of lightening D1

that illuminate moments. In the stark e
shades we inhibit, there are no words for F1
our throats. Our eyes are speaking in the dark E1

of things we cannot say, cannot ignore. f
This is the moment when shadows gather, A1
shades we inhibit. There are no words, for F1
this is the center of thunderweather. A2


okay... have some fun with it.

Great job, Amanda. I'm going to try this form and post it here. Thanks so much for taking over this month.

I've played with interlocking rhymes a couple of times and they can be fun. with the repetition in this, I thought the group here could come up with some very interesting stuff. can't wait to see what you come up with, ToT

*sighs* Amanda, I'm having a hard time with this poem, but I haven't given up yet. I hope to have something completed by the end of February.

i hope you're at least having some fun with it.

AmandaLyn wrote:i hope you're at least having some fun with it.

I am, but you really stumped me on this one. LOL! *scratches head*

i have a couple with interlocking rhyme schemes somewhere here... i'll see if I can find em. it might give you some ideas.

This doesn't have the repitition of a terzanelle, but it has the interlocking rhyme...

ODE TO THE ONE WHOM I WORSHIP

Neith cloudy sky, no blue above
I lift you high above the rest
And to you declare undying love

A work of art, better, best
I see much more beyond the crust
And hold you close to heaving breast

In you I will place all my trust
I know you'll do me never harm
You fill my heart with unknown lust

Tonight, enticed by impious charm
As of your qualities you boast
I'll take you to my modest farm

And once there I'll make you roast
Then serve you up on squares of toast.

HA!! I like that but it sounds like a perfect tribute to a Lobster.

it was... to a picture of a lobster Kiwi posted in the Truth and Dare thread... somewhere around page 9

Just goes to show how much fun I missed out on.

Yeah, I got a lobster giggle from that, too.