The Spenserian stanza is a fixed verse form invented by 1. Edmund Spenser for his epic poem The Faerie Queene. Each verse contains nine lines in total: eight lines in iambic pentameter followed by a single 'Alexandrine' line in iambic hexameter. The rhyme scheme of these lines is "ababbcbcc."
Spenser's invention may have been influenced by the Italian form ottava rima, which consists of eight lines of iambic pentameter with the rhyme scheme "abababcc." This form was used by Spenser's Italian role models Ludovico Ariosto and Torquato Tasso. Another possible influence is rhyme royal, a traditional mediæval form used by Geoffrey Chaucer, among others, which has seven lines of iambic pentameter that rhyme "ababbcc."
Spenser's verse form fell into disuse in the period after his death. However, it was revived in the 1800s by Lord Byron in Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, by John Keats for The Eve of St. Agnes, by Percy Bysshe Shelley for The Revolt of Islam and Adonais and by Sir Walter Scott for The Vision of Don Roderick.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spenserian_stanza"
Category: Poetic form

Above it All

They glide with ease across late August's skies
on waves of air below the cirrus clouds,
quite unaware, it seems, of all that lies
below where smoke enfolds the land in shrouds
of acrid fumes. A ranger escorts crowds
of curious campers gathered where a flare
of flame devours the old growth pines with loud
heat-cracks-- the firestorm’s spreading everywhere.
Above it all, the geese glide by without a care.

Susan Eckenrode

Thanks so much Sue for posting this tile.

What a great 'expressional poem' above too as the example to follow! I've never been to the national parks before (otehr than Baxter State Park in Maine).

I enjoyed the read!
~Cleo

heartsong7;

A wonderful study of the Spensarian stanza. Your poem is very visual. Often we get lost counting syllables and forget to be poetic. You've done a fine job of both.

I looked briefly, at this form, when looking for an alternative to the English Sonnet. The Sonnet is a well established form but I often like longer writes and I could find no 'permission' to go beyond the 14 lines. I did find 'rime royale' which your description of the Spencsarian form also made mention of. I attempted a few of those (rime royale) and enjoyed the challenge of both (English Sonnet and rime royale).

Thank you for a very interesting and well written poem.

Wow Sue, this is above and beyond skillful and talented. I have made it my vow to myself that I will be trying 1 poem in different forms and I think this one will be my next! (Although I do need to finish the 2 swap Quatrains for the chapbook) ...

Hugs, Liz

Winnie the Pooh And Christopher Too

Winnie The Pooh's View ...


The years had passed so fast. I wonder could
it be, you truly have forgotten me?
They sold off every acre of the wood
from where the woozles weren't, to my tree
and eeyore's gloomy place. Where might he be?
You left me sitting on the windowsill
and promised to return by count of three.
Although you didn't look behind, I still
continue to believe ... one day you will.



Chrisopher Robin's point of view ...


I miss you silly old pooh. If I could
go back in time, I would take you with me.
Yet father flew me away from the wood
to tend to school, far from the Sanderz tree,
so quick I couldn't say goodbye. A bee
had buzzed and teased outside my window sill
beckoning me; stay. I'm all grown up with three
kids of my own. They may not know you; still
don't worry - I've left them you in my will!

What a lovely poem Liz (both views)!

It's been a LONG time since I've read some 'pooh', !

Psst - Why doesn't Piglet have many friends?

.


.


.


wait for it...

.

.

because he's always playing with 'Pooh'!

Enjoyed!
~Cleo

LMAO ... That was SOOOOOOOOooooo Cute! I love pooh ... Piglet needs to find some other hobbies, huh? :) I have been dying to try this Form out and finally got the inspiration. I want to do some more.. it is such a cool form.


Hugs, Liz ...

Dear Heartsong,
I believe we started this hobby about the same time, early ("01 for me) and weve been to some degree on parallel tracks.
My muses have been bickering for several months now, but your posting of a
Spen-Sta has challenged them and finally they conspired(?) to get me back on the board.
I wrote this to inform you that I thank you for breaking the drought
As a self- proclaimed formalist, I've checked for iambs, no. of feet, rhyme scheme.
Were I a red-penciled poetry professor, I'd reluctantly give an A+ for form. As for content, and presentation, it reads unlabored and it easily forms pictures on my eyelids.
My only negative comment would be that I'd prefer a more meaningful and optimistic
closing couplet.
note: As I think enjambment detracts from cadence, I'm no lover of it. But, you do it so well!

Dear Liz,
My muses are beside themselves and behind closed doors are negotiating, spurred now as well by your pooh poems!
I believe these Spen-stas bring out the best and you've hit on a delightful topic to do just that.
You must be greatly pleased as my muses, both La and Il, tell my this formula requires real effort and talent.
Cheers, Ron jgd

A Non-Puzzler Tribute to Edmund Spencer

"Oh La, oh Il, you've vowed to write like Ed,
although the recipe's not 'Faery Queen' ."
My muses spoke and this is what they said,
"That Irish Queen was no career colleen."
Oh Knight with Cross of Red and dragon scene...
and princess Una urging him along
while George, the Saint of Britain, sword so keen,
defends our church and Queen through right and wrong.
"So cheers to Mister Spencer's fateful Faery, strong.

La and Il both thank Susan and Liz for the inspiration.
I'm jgdittier and I just type.
Cheers, Ron jgd

Well done Ron!

Here's the one I wrote inspired by Sue and Eric's initial volley a few month back...

Cheers
~Cleo


Raiders Collide


Lara

I’d kill to be Tomb Raider’s fantasy
woman, Lara Croft, (she's make-believe)
who toys with trademark pistols expertly.
Through death-defying dangers, she’ll achieve
the key that bridles time and then she’ll leave
Illuminati’s men to dust. We know
the true eye’s mystery, now go retrieve
that talisman; the planets are a ‘go’!
We’ll find you next immersed in *Cradle’s undertow.


Indie

Professor Jones is not a fantasy;
he’s Archeology - you must believe.
Renowned, he cracks his bullwhip expertly.
A mission sends him East where he’ll achieve
the prize of finding God’s Gold Ark then leave
the thugs at Cairo’s site to dust. We know
he’ll set Commandments right again, retrieve
the chest on mythic quest; so far he'll go.
Be sure to firmly lasso poison’s undertow!

<sub>Copyright © Lorraine M Kanter

*A reference to Tomb Raider 2: Cradle of Life, the opening scene finds our heroine diving into Greek waters in yes, skin tight scuba wear.</sub>

I love your pooh stanzas, Liz but I hope you will attend to the final lines of each stanza, making them iambic hexameter as per the form. Right now they're IP.
S


Thanks for sharing your thoughts on mine, Ron. You're always the gentleman.
I really enjoyed your Spens-sta tribute to ES. True to the form and a fitting message as well.
S


Lori, your Spens-sta pair is prime and good to go.
enjoyed.
S

Hi Sue,

Oooops, I didn't realize that the requirement was hexameter in the final lines.. I will make that change now ... thanks and I will be working some further ones out soon ... I have come to love the poetry I read in this form.

Hugs, Liz

Hi Ron,

I am so sorry that I hadn't read this earlier... thank you so much for your kind words on my Pooh Spens - I love all your poetry but I must say you make these dance... aren't these amazing food for a poet's soul!


Big Hugs and again, please accept my apologies for my lateness and absence I've had some things going on ...

I wish you a Healthy and Happy New Year ...

Hugs Liz