The LaJemme is a 5 stanza form created by poets Laura Lamarca and Jem Farmer.

Meter: consistently iambic

Stanza 1, 10 syllables per line, Rhyme scheme abab, 4th syllable of each line is to rhyme with the end rhyme of the preceding line.

Stanza 2, syllable count: 8/8/8/6, Rhyme scheme cdef, with cross rhymes in each couplet on 4th syllable

Stanza 3, syllable count 8/8/8/6, Rhyme scheme gfdf, 4th syllable of each line follows the same rule as stanza 1.

Stanza 4, 10 syllables per line, Rhyme scheme hihi, 4th syllable of each line is to rhyme with the end rhyme of the preceding line.

Stanza 5, 10 syllables per line, Rhyme scheme abab, 4th syllable of each line is to rhyme with the end rhyme of the preceding line.

Example:

EX-planation

There was a time when I could not believe
you could deceive me with your winner's smile
but that was while my heart took time to grieve
and to receive all care that was worthwhile
I learned from deep within your pain
there is no gain worth tears I weep
and here I grew to find my strength
my own length, without you
What lessons shall I reap to sow
when I don't know the worth of you
must I be blue so I can keep
my soul asleep...and true
I asked the questions you had no reply
Again asked why you hide your love in me
Am I ne’er free and must I always cry
Another sigh; I’m leaving don’t you see
And so again my heart is left to grieve
But I believe that this time it's worthwhile,
So I can smile and then I can believe
That you deceive because your soul is vile.

Copyright © 2013 Laura Lamarca and Jem Farmer