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2008 Form Challenges
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This form looks to be a very simple form comprising of a five syllabled couplet followed by a two syllable line. The number of lines
in each stanza is fixed at nine and the couplets must rhyme with each other, as the two syllable lines must also rhyme. In English this
line is probably the most difficult part of the poem. The Lai is a very old French form and tradition states that the short line must not be indented, it must be left dressed to the poem. This is known as Arbre Fourchu (Forked Tree) there is a pattern meant to be set up as a tree. The number of lines in each stanza is fixed at nine. The number of stanzas is not fixed and each stanza has its own rhyme pattern. The rhyme pattern is... a. a. b. a. a. b. a. a. b. Here is an example of a Lai:
This is a much harder form than the lai and only has an eight line stanza and is similar in idea to the Villanelle. In this case the first two lines are the refrain and are used as the last lines of the subsequent verses. The last verse including both lines but in reverse order. The difficulty with this form is of course picking a rhyme pattern that is strong enough to last even two verses. The alternative rhyme can vary from stanza to stanza.
The Virelai;This is an adaptation of the Lai and uses the short lines to set the rhyme pattern of the next stanza. The last stanza linking back to the first by setting the rhyme of its short ones to the 5 syllable line of the first. It has a rhyme pattern a.a.b.a.a.b.a.a.b....b.b.c.b.b.c.b.b.c and if this were the last stanza c.c.a.c.c.a.c.c.a. Here is a very unusual example of Virelai:
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Lai Challenge Replies
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Lai Nouveau Replies
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Virelai Replies
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Maryse AchongI shut my eyes tight It has to be night. Eyeing The clock, still I fight To sleep. It's not right… Sighing I see the sunlight Outside big and bright, Spying. ----- Mister Sun Where have you been sun? No doubt having fun Elsewhere. You've been on the run, How long will you shun Us here? The rains have begun, Do not be out done… Appear. ----- Movement "Let the spirit move you Let the spirit move you Today, today Reach for your brother's hand Smile with you fellow man And let the spirit move you, Move you today." Something moved inside, I know I can't hide The glee; It's been quite a ride, But with Him as Guide I'm free. Though I slip and slide, He's there at my side You see. ----- Per Ardua Ad Astra We came out today Just so we could say "Goodbye." He called it a day, Put his wings away To die. Held in stars' bright sway, Remember and pray, Don't cry. back to list |
Lorainne DafneyGrowing on a vine One flower divine stands tall Delicate and fine Her color like wine bud ball Blooms flowers that shine On a fence it climbs so small back to list |
Peggy Nelson Dancing Tree Dancing beautifully Her arms gracefully extend Touching Gods worldly Kindest hearts fondly She'd tend. Danced angelically Intentionally, Transcends ----- For Dah Kiddies Now I lay I down Wearing evening gown With toy I said prayers with nouns Instead of sheep; count nouns Like Roy musing dreams of clowns Wearing jeweled crowns Enjoyed! back to list |
Ryter RoethicleDig your fingers in Watch it spin and spin Life's clay Shape it, press them in. Feel the shape begin. Each day Watch! See it forming. Then fire the kiln. And pray. See as the clay dries Before your eyes Your scheme The shape you realise Did you visualise Or mean Non of us are wise Do not eulogise Your dream. ----- Going to Work Must you leave me now? Question made me bow. I must! It is time you know Sides I'm out of dough I'm bust What have I to show My bankroll won't grow Disgust! ----- Unsure Sleep softly next to me, unsure what will be, awake my world is with thee, for eternity, lets take a time to agree, more than a century, partake. And in that short time, know that we are one, and so watching feelings climb, knowing all's sublime, although in a future clime, may we have playtime, to grow. back to list |
Leny RooversRain pours on wet trees from low-fat grey cheese- wind sighs soft patterns in breeze as weather gods squeeze the skies. Until they're appeased, cold rain makes me sneeze- wet eyes. This sudden demise of temperature's high degrees, took me by surprise; are gods, I surmise, displeased? Sweet summer's disguise prevents barbie's fries- Chinese?. ----- Deeply yet lightly Your voice in my ear rings mind's sky all clear, I smile. My heart knows no fear with part of you here- on file. Though people might sneer, love still perseveres, worthwhile. No walk on the aisle, I had that on trial for years. Now life's versatile I cross many miles, frontiers. You'll always beguile my essence fertile; no tears. ----- Meditation I'm sitting erect, my mind still projects thought clouds. Best not to object, or else they attract new crowds. In peace, near perfect, my soul can connect- lift shrouds. As mantra directs attention's object, pride bows. Each repetition helps mantra's mission- reflect. Body's position brings mind's submission, respect. In line with tradition flows intuition- protects. Each new addition improves condition, perfects. ----- My Tom Tom One My navigation was on probation today. Road situation: blocked circulation- delay. Its hesitation about location: astray. First concentration then much frustration, dismay. Travel duration doubled in ration- nerves frayed. This innovation lacked information- no way. Short meditation showed destination displayed. My expectations, now reservations; they'll stay. back to list |
Nia Wynnebaseball in the rain is for the diehards, true fans. grey clouds loom above threatening was out, done game. ah, but sun comes out, innings go on till home wins. ----- Delights You want me to see Where your hands will be Tonight. You wish to set free The red fires in me So bright. You whisper your plea From which I won't flee Delights. ----- In The Lanes They roll like thunder, Some end in gutters On Lanes. Strikes are wonders, Best not be under, No pains. If you're a runner It won't be funner Than rains. ----- Squirrels Demise Breezy silent day Sunshine kisses clay and sand. No squirrels come play Climbing trees their way, Just land. Only bunnies may Sit and munch their hay So bland . Birds singing to say This now their day, Song friends! The rodents are slayed Dead or chased away, The end. ----- Tired I'm so darn tired Want to expire Alone Love has retired None admired But thrown Into the fire Life's become dire Droned back to list |
Lorainne DafneyBeneath the moonlight All is cast in white Hiding Lovers in the night Each fragile with fright Sighing From any new sight They rise and take flight Determined to fight This is their new plight Waiting When chances are right Brief moments are slight Proving All is cast in white Beneath the moonlight back to list |
Peggy NelsonYou're my sweet surprise Linger and realize Love's here Mornings with sunrise With you we arise sincere Intense feelings rise Taken by surprise Love's most gifted prize We bond our life's ties So dear Sustaining love cries Sensations apprised Made clear Linger and realize You're my sweet surprise back to list |
Ryter RoethicleI look at the Earth Sometimes seeing mirth. Sometimes, Seeing what is birth. A new morn leap forth, Sublime. Wondering it's worth And the day unearth? Each day a lesser girth Travel a penny worth Of time No longer emforth Realising truth Is mime . Sometimes seeing mirth. I look at the Earth. ----- Love is.... Love is being forever Your voices together As one Love is feeling ever Support one another Til done Touching each other Regretting never Help in endeavour Separating never No way Relations sever Intend whatever To stay Your voices together Love is being forever back to list |
Leny RooversOn inhalation I feel elation- I grow. In exhalation stress leaves sensations- lies low. Life is creation, this brings sensation's illumination, end of temptation- aglow. Breathing's vibration is celebration bestowed. I feel elation on inhalation. back to list |
Maryse AchongWith just one small slip She fractured her hip; A stew. But with cut and snip, Stitches and a clip, She's new; And she'll jump and skip If she does not trip; Their view. Though she's ninety two, Does not miss a clue, I swear. You'd think she'd be blue At what she's been through, No fear, She said 'No to-do 'Tis God's Will, thank you, My dear. back to list |
Peggy Nelson This Will Sting You This Will Sting you! I’m a Cactus tree, Waiting for a breeze I Stand Covered with cruel bees. Not pleased nor appeased By Brand; Stinging me with ease, Will they ever seize Their plan? Bee keeper on land, Says: halt I demand Just wait! Standing I expand, All of my limp glands Feel hate It surely ain’t grand, Do you understand Debate? Look at red dots mate, Stingers! Stingers! Eight! By bees I’ve honey that’s great, Sit below with plate And squeeze Yet, you’ll be irate ‘Cause I’m also a Prick…see 
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Ryter RoethicleEverywhere I go, my life is so slow, since you. What is there to know, there is no more glow, life's through Just for a while though, then we'll say "Hello, what's new?" Then teapots will brew, artworks go adieu, although Just for a while it threw, my old world askew, a blow To things I thought knew, 'membring what to do, for show. back to list |
Leny RooversAs water pours down onto each bowed crown, tears flow. Potato-fields drown and farmers now frown- big blow. A new bride in town, shakes out her white gown, aglow. While guests in a row are making a show, she cries. All presents bestowed, they drink a Bordeaux; time flies. Soon each guest will throw some rice, then they go; goodbyes. Next morning's surprise, a breakfast with pies- gold-brown! Love shines in their eyes, they watch the sun rise- renowned. No clouds in disguise, can darken their eyes, they clown. back to list |
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