A Triolet is a poetic form consisting of only 8 lines. Within a Triolet, the 1st, 4th, and 7th lines repeat, and the 2nd and 8th lines do as well. The rhyme scheme is simple: ABaAabAB, capital letters representing the repeated lines.

Make writing a Triolet more challenging! Make each line 8 syllables in length (4 metrical feet), written in iambic tetrameter (the more common way), or try it in pentameter (English version) where each line only has 10 syllables (5 metrical feet).

Example #1:

My Heart Residing in Thy Chest

In response to Shelly's, "The Indian Serenade".

For, break it shall and so it must
My heart residing in thy chest
When placed in care of lover's trust
For, break it shall and so it must
Passion's ashes returned to dust
This lonely heart is laid to rest
For, break it shall and so it must
My heart residing in thy chest

Copyright © 2003 Dan Tharp

Example #2:

In Mourning Black

In response to "All in Green" by e.e. cummings

Fair maid, clad all in mourning black
Rides off upon her golden steed.
A mocking gesture: heart she lack'd.
Fair maid, clad all in mourning black,
Sheds not a tear and turns her back
With no regrets for wicked deeds.
Fair maid, clad all in mourning black,
Rides off upon her golden steed.

Copyright © 2003 Dendrobia

Example #3:

Mourning Twilight

In response triolet to James Joyce "She Weeps Over Rahoon"

Embrace twilight and bid farewell
to passion's warmth and sweet caress.
A grave's prepared where she will dwell
embrace twilight and bid farewell.
O hear the mourning of her bell
that tolls for sorrows you supress  
embrace twilight and bid farewell
to passion's warmth and sweet caress.

Copyright © 2003 Mary Ellen Clark

Example #4:

The Stars Will Shine

Don’t hold your breath, the stars will shine.
Make your wishes, and close your eyes;
Tonight’s bright view will be divine.
Don’t hold your breath, the stars will shine
And wink with the planets of nine
While starships zip through the night skies.
Don’t hold your breath, the stars will shine.
Make your wishes, and close your eyes. . 


Copyright © 2005 Marie Summers