The Alouette, created by Jan Turner, consists of two or more stanzas of 6 lines each, with the following set rules:

Meter: 5, 5, 7, 5, 5, 7
Rhyme Scheme: a, a, b, c, c, b

The form name is a French word meaning 'skylark' or larks that fly high, the association to the lark's song being appropriate for the musical quality of this form. The word 'alouette' can also mean a children's song (usually sung in a group), and although this poetry form is not necessarily for children's poetry (but can be applied that way), it is reminiscent of that style of short lines. Preference for the meter accent is on the third syllable of each line (please see examples below).

Example #1:

Spring Eternal

See pink parasols
blown against the walls...
pleated pinwheels turning ‘round.
In the springtime breeze
fragrant floras tease
as new bulbs pop from the ground.

Cherry blossoms fall...
petals from the tall
tree that stands on Potters Lane.
There’s a wishing well
where I sit a spell
and I prop my wooden cane.

Though the autumn years
of my life bring tears
for old friends who now are gone,
my heart’s here in spring
where the robins sing
in these early hours of dawn.

I am in the pink
as I sit and think
underneath Yashino’s shade,
for I feel them near...
ones who were so dear,
who now in the ground are laid.

See the world renew!
See the heavens brew
up a palette full of joy;
someone’s swinging now
underneath that bough...
just a happy little boy!

Copyright © 2009 Jan Turner

Example #2:

The Senses of Spring

Hear  the seeded breeze
Blowing through the trees
As it searches fertile ground ...
In the coming weeks
Shoots of daisies peak
As they take a look around.

See  the daffodils
Dressing up the hills
With a splash of yellow sun ...
Brilliant tulips paint
As the bluebells faint
With their drooping meadow run.

Smell  the heaven scent
That the roses vent
As they climb up to your door ...
While the jasmine pose
 Perfume for your nose
 Blending with the sycamore.

Taste  the herbal blend
Of the plants that spend
All their energies to groom ...
Cooking in the sun
‘Till your dinner’s done
When they make your platter bloom.

Touch  the purple suede
Of the pansy shade
As it brushes through your toes ...
Feel the dewy drops
On the hollyhocks
As they’re drinking from your hose.

Copyright © 2006 Jan Turner
SP Quill Magazine Spring 2006, Vol. #10

Example #3:

A Summer Alouette

Summer, are you near?
Look and find me here
waiting in my dreary room
as the April rain
pounds my window pane.
Summer, come dispel my gloom.

Summer, get here soon.
I can't wait for June.
Bring your stars and moon to me.
Lengthen out your days
touched by golden rays.
Come and then. . . stay endlessly!

Copyright © 2009 Andrea Ditrich