A Terza Rima is a poem with an eleven syllable count in each line and a rhyming scheme of aba, bcb, cdc, dd.

For even more of a challenge, try the Terza Rima Sonnet. This form of poem has an eleven syllable count in each line and a rhyming scheme of aba, bcb, cdc, ded, ee.

Example:

Faith (Terza Rima Sonnet)

Faith is the glue that holds our lives together,
Faith gives us roots that we may withstand trials
Through dark of night and wind and stormy weather.

Faith comes into our lives and sin beguiles,
Giving us strength to overcome temptation,
To glory over Satan and his wiles.

A firm belief will overpow’r frustration
When life hands us more pain than we can handle,
And, at the end, faith will be our salvation.

So live your life in faith bright as a candle,
Oh let it glow, its flicker not abating,
And let there be no hint of sin or scandal.

For He who died for us in Heaven is waiting
With open arms, in faith, no hesitating.

Copyright © 2003 Linda Newman