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The Sestina
Folder:
English For Poets .
The Sestina is six stanzas of six lines each
adhering to a unique end of line word scheme
with three lines at the end containing a formula
of six words placed inside the lines. The first
line is seven syllables long, the lines 2-6 are 10
syllables. 39 lines total.t
.
You write to the end word. Select six words
.
1. GROVE
2. FLEECE
3. TRIAD
4. HEARTH
5. PARADOX
6. EXISTENCE
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The first line is 7 syllables
lines 2 thru 6 are ten syllables
.
The last three lines of the poem,
(the tercet) are written with the words
2-5, 4-3, 6-1 These three lines occur at the end
of the sestina and are 10 syllables each. The
selected words are worked inside the line, not
necessarily at the end of the line.
.
NOTE: Contemporary sestina form allows for any length
of the lines without the classic 7/10 syllable requirement.
.
Tercet (three lines) ending the poem use the words
woven inside the lines, not at the end of the line.
.
FLEECE PARADOX
HEARTH TRIAD
EXISTENCE GROVE
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THE PATTERN OF EACH END WORD FOR EACH STANZA IS AS FOLLOWS:
.
1st stanza
1 6 3 5 4 2 grove existence triad paradox hearth fleece
.
2nd stanza
2 1 6 3 5 4 existence triad paradox hearth fleece grove
.
3rd stanza
3 5 4 2 1 6 triad paradox hearth fleece grove existence
.
4th stanza
4 2 1 6 3 5 hearth fleece grove existence triad paradox
.
5th stanza
5 4 2 1 6 3 paradox hearth fleece grove existence triad
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6th sanza
6 3 5 4 2 1 existence triad paradox hearth fleece grove
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POEM
7 syllables: in 1st line of each stanza
.
GROVE
EXISTENCE
TRIAD
PARADOX
HEARTH
FLEECE
.
I watched him sit in the GROVE (7 syllables)
(10 syllables lines 2 thru 6)
The wooden bench began my EXISTENCE (10 syllables)
He, I, the bench are a unique TRIAD (10 syllables)
grow old and age backwards, a PARADOX (10 syllables)
unless he and I meet the middle HEARTH
in the same time warm as if wrapped in FLEECE
.
.
2ND STANZA
.
SUBSTITUTE NUMBERS FOR WORDS FROM ABOVE CHART
2 1 6 3 5 4 existence triad paradox hearth fleece grove
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EXISTENCE
TRIAD
PARADOX
HEARTH
FLEECE
GROVE
and write to each word (7 syllables 1st line/10 syllables thereafter)
.
Write the 6 stanzas and end the poem with
the tercet, three 10 syllable lines at the end of the poem.
The words are woven inside the lines and
are not to end the line.
.
Come fleece with paradox untangled
Let us, the hearth, and bench a triad become
Whose existence is the grove in which you sat.
.
Note: Contemporary form does not adhere to 7 syllable/10 syllable format. Any line length is acceptable but do the 7/10 as an exercise ~ you are forced to find meaning in a predetermined space ~ it is an excellent way to learn to self edit. It will instill unusual rhythms in your memory, always an asset when writing either open or rhymed verse.
Exert from Sestina Paradox
.
I.
.
I watched him sit in the grove
The wooden bench began our existence
He, I, and the bench a unique triad
grow old aging backwards, a paradox
Unless he and I share hearts at middle hearth
Warmed in the same time as if wrapped in fleece.
.
II.
.
Pairs mimicking existence
Ask must lovers exist in a triad?
No dream, I, and you is a paradox
Loneliness never touch our warm hearth
Sit here beneath the coat of spring like fleece
As nature describes our favorite grove.
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Last verse:
.
Come fleece with paradox untangled
Let us, the hearth, and bench a triad become
Whose existence is the grove in which you sat.
.
I wish you good fortune with your sestina and know you will appreciate the skill acquired having attempted the form. Not libel for pulled out hair :D
.
Lady A
02-09-15
619p
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revised: 02-12-15 @ 838a
Sestina Paradox is now an entire poem by allets published on postpoems.
Note: In final version there is an error in the progression. I saw it but it would require massive rewiting - naw!
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