The Florette, created by Jan Turner, consists of two or more 4-line stanzas.

Rhyme scheme: a,a,b,a
Meter: 8,8,8,12
Fourth line requirement of internal (b) rhyme scheme, on syllable 8.

Like the outgrowing of a small flower, the forth line of each stanza is longer, and enwraps the previous lines. Line #4 requires an internal rhyme scheme that rhymes the eighth syllable with the end of line #3, and continues to add on four more syllables than the other lines so that the fourth line ends rhyming with lines #1 and #2.

Example:

The Healing (For Emily)

Perhaps you’d say she slept away
another long hot summer day,
but she’s been fiercely knitting bones...
so silence all your undertones that would dismay!

It might appear she’s been undone
but she could still give you a run!
You say she gives impassive stare
but you are simply unaware that she has won.

You cannot judge her anyhow...
just see that sweat upon her brow
as silently she treads along
the path that comes with winter’s song; she can avow.

Her courage you can’t contemplate.
You say it’s simply just her fate
that’s kept her there, in reverie:
incognizant of bravery, you understate.

Copyright © 2009 Jan Turner