A rictameter is short form of poetry, which uses nine lines. The 1st and last lines are the same. The lines are developed by syllable count, which is as follows:
line 1 - 2 syllables - same as line 9
line 2 - 4 syllables
line 3 - 6 syllables
line 4 - 8 syllables
line 5 - 10 syllables
line 6 - 8 syllables
line 7 - 6 syllables
line 8 - 4 syllables
line 9 - 2 syllables - same as line 1
They can be lots of fun when you challenge yourself to use meter and a rhyme scheme, although the poetry form does not insist on either. Have fun!
EXAMPLE:
A Son To His Father
Father
console me now:
Though I stand here a man,
I am but a boy lost beneath
a soldier’s attire...still mourning a loss
I learned to grieve in younger days,
when you were strong and I
was not yet a
father.
EJD
Good AdviceIn morn
when I awoke
I clearly understood
what had been confusing last night.
I had been so ready to disagree ...
Perhaps the docs are all correct
when saying we must sleep
to awake refreshed
in morn?
© D R Harris - 7 February 2004 Now it's your turn to try one. C'mon .. they're fun!
Here's to fun writing,
Athena